New Delhi: The Railway Board has decided to create over 5,000 posts and impart advanced training to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel to ensure security of passengers besides tackling terror threats.
"A total of 5,134 posts at the level of constable to sub-inspectors have been created. After their inductions, these men will be trained and put on duty to protect passengers and railway properties," RPF Director General Ranjit Sinha told PTI.
The proposal is, however, awaiting the Finance Ministry's approval.
"Passengers safety is our first priority. RPF personnel have been directed to take all measures to ensure their safety," Sinha said.
Senior officers in-charge of supervising and ensuring security of passengers have been asked to step up patrolling and number of RPF men present inside trains, he added.
The official said RPF personnel will also be undergoing special training to check crime inside trains.
According to another senior Railway Ministry official, authorities are considering to review security measures in trains running through the Naxal-affected areas.
"We continue to assess security arrangements as Railways are prone to terror attacks. Hence, to better deal with such possibilities we have decided to equip our men with advanced weapons and training," the official said. MORE
PTI
First Published: Monday, January 11, 2010, 17:31