Date:13/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/13/stories/2008011354750900.htm

National

Lalu, Patil review railway security

Vinay Kumar

NEW DELHI: Concerned over the Railways and train passengers being targeted by extremists, terrorists, anti-social and criminal elements, the security system for the network was reviewed at a meeting between Railway Minister Lalu Prasad and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Saturday.

It was decided to ensure better coordination between the Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police of the State governments and for this purpose State-wide nodal officers would be nominated by the Ministry of Railways.

A mechanism for intelligence sharing and dissemination for action among the stakeholders would also be set up.

It was accepted that there was a need to increase the strength of the RPF on account of the threefold increase in its charter of responsibilities after an amendment in the RPF Act.

Mr. Prasad said passenger security was the top most priority of the RPF and assured availability of adequate funds for its modernisation.