NEW DELHI: A day after the railways indicated signs of sabotage in recent fire incidents, security agencies and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) obtained CCTV footage from Howrah station, revealing a suspicious act linked to the fire scare on the Mithila Express. The footage allegedly captures a suspect throwing an object into a coach, which immediately triggered a fire and smoke inside a compartment of the train. Officials stated that the act was timed precisely during peak passenger hours to maximize panic and chaos.
Background of the Incident
This development comes on the heels of recent warnings and intelligence reports suggesting that the railways are increasingly being targeted as a soft target for orchestrated sabotage, according to an official. Authorities believe the act was designed not just to disrupt railway operations but to trigger a stampede-like situation among thousands of commuters.
Railway Minister's Review Meeting
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw held a review meeting with officers on Thursday amid the incidents targeting railways. In a release, the ministry stated that the railways are using the latest technology tools such as artificial intelligence, drones, and CCTV intensively to enhance the safety of trains, passengers, station premises, and the entire network. The meeting focused on strengthening intelligence-gathering mechanisms from the field through an improved reporting system.
Emphasis was laid on enhancing tech-driven systems, expanding CCTV coverage across the network, and improving coordination between the Railway Board headquarters and field zones, the railway ministry added.
Enhanced Security Measures
In response to these threats, the railways are deploying advanced surveillance technologies to monitor activities across the network. The use of AI-powered analytics will help in real-time threat detection, while drone surveillance will cover remote and vulnerable sections. The expansion of CCTV coverage aims to ensure comprehensive monitoring of station premises and train coaches.
Officials stressed the importance of intelligence sharing between various security agencies and the railways to preempt any potential sabotage attempts. The improved reporting system will enable faster dissemination of information from the field to the central authorities, facilitating prompt action.
Public Safety Advisory
Passengers have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest railway authorities or security personnel. The railways have also increased the frequency of security drills and awareness campaigns to educate the public on emergency procedures.
With these measures, the railways aim to restore confidence among passengers and ensure the safety and security of the vast network that serves millions daily.
