By IANS,
New Delhi : Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Saturday announced a series of security measures for Indian Railways, including the creation of 22,000 posts of security personnel, in the wake of the Mumbai carnage.
“There is a need to strengthen the Railway Protection Force in the light of the changed security scenario in the country after the Mumbai terror attack,” Lalu Prasad said at the RPF Investiture Parade here.
In the attack that started on the night of Nov 26, 10 terrorists struck at 13 places in Mumbai, killing at least 170 people. The maximum casualties were recorded at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, one of the busiest in the country, where 58 people were killed in indiscriminate firing by two gunmen.
“We will provide latest security equipments and vehicles to security men in all railway zones including those serving in Jammu and Kashmir,” the minister said.
He said three new RPF battalions were proposed to be established and about 22,000 posts in all railway zones will be created to meet the shortage of the manpower in RPF.
Moreover, two companies of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) will be established for the Northeast Frontier region, he added.
The minister also announced a special academy is proposed to be set up for RPF personnel. Selected RPF officers and personnel will be sent abroad for training to help them study railway security systems in various countries, he added.