PATNA: The railways has started implementation of Integrated Security Scheme (ISS) at an estimated cost of Rs 600 crore at the country level to revamp the entire railway security system. It has chalked out a foolproof comprehensive plan to provide security to passengers on running trains. The ISS is likely to improve railway security further, particularly in the Naxal-hit states, across the country. According to a Railway Board official, the railways has taken serious note of frequent attacks on railway property by Maoists and criminals in Bihar and Jharkhand. During the past few years, journey by trains have become unsafe.
Though the railways had decided much earlier to introduce the ISS system across the country, it has been introduced at metropolitan city stations so far, he said and added this system is now in the process of being implemented at all vulnerable stations.
The railways is likely to reconsider the need to raise commando battalions to strengthen the railway security system in the Naxalaffected states.
A proposal to raise women commandos is also under the active consideration of the railway ministry. It is being mooted to provide foolproof security to women passengers on running trains, especially while travelling by Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express, a Board official said.
According to sources, a highlevel railway security committee had recommended the implementation of ISS system at the country level in 2009-2010.
The railways had then identified about 185 railway stations, including metro stations, as the most sensitive ones. The top priority stations are now being upgraded from security strengthening point of view, sources said.
The stations likely to be strengthened from security point of view include those in South East Central Railway, East Central Railway and South Eastern Railway falling under Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Patna Junction is also under new security system plan and is being reviewed from safety point of view, said ECR CPRO Dilip Kumar.