What Indian Railways is doing to ensure passenger safety

From vistadome coaches to high-speed trains and upgraded safety measures, Indian Railways is leaving no stone unturned to enhance the passenger experience.

Despite being the lifeline of the country, questions around safety has plagued the Indian Railways for decades. Train derailment, pedestrian crossing the railway track, train collision are some of the major concerns.

In a written reply to Lok Sabha, Railways Minister Piyush Goyal listed out the various steps taken by the Railways in coordination with Government Railway Police (GRP) to ensure passengers safety at station area and passengers aboard:


*Escorting on Vulnerable routes
For the safety of passengers on board, trains are escorted by RPF, GRP of different states, on identified vulnerable routes.

*Active Helpline
Helpline number 139 works 24×7 for helping the passengers in distress and helping them with security-related assistance

* Social media
Indian Railways is active on social media platforms to address the security concerns of travellers.

*Educating via Public Address System (PIS)
Railways keep their passengers informed via PIS and educate them to prevent the case of theft, snatching or drugging through repeated announcements

* CCTV
CCTVs have been installed in 2931 coaches and 668 stations for keeping passengers’ security in check. To improve surveillance mechanism over 202 stations, an Integrated Security System comprising of surveillance of vulnerable stations through CCTV, Access Control, etc. has been sanctioned.

* Multi-layered security.
Random checks are conducted in railway premises and trains against the entry of unauthorized persons. To improve surveillance and enhance synergy between the deployment of various security forces, Station Security Plan is being implemented in a phased manner at major stations.