Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw assures of strict action against those involved in stone pelting on trains
Sep 24, 2024
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], September 24 : Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday addressed concerns regarding passenger safety in light of the recent stone-pelting incidents on trains. The Minister assured that strict action will be taken anyone involved in incidents of stone pelting on trains.
"The whole railway staff is fully aware and in touch with the state governments, including state DGPs and Home Secretaries. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such incidents," Vaishnaw stated during a media briefing.
The Minister emphasized that the Railways are continuously collaborating with the state police forces to enhance safety measures.
"The whole railway staff is fully aware and in touch with the state governments. State DGPs, Home Secretaries. Whoever will be involved in such incidents, strict action will be taken against them. The whole railway is continuously working in this direction along with the state police," Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said while speaking to the media.
Vaishnaw also highlighted the significant advancements in railway security, including the introduction of the Kavach system.
"For the security of railways, Kavach is a very big development. On July 16, 2024, the Kavach 4.0 version was finalized by the RDSO, and its first installation has been completed from Sawai Madhopur to Kota and Nagda," he said.
He added, "I have come to review it, and I will also assess the first roof plaza at Jaipur-Gandhinagar station," Vaishnaw said.
Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. It is a highly technology-intensive system, which requires safety certification of the highest order. Kavach aids the loco pilot in trains running within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case the loco pilot fails to do so and it also helps the train safely run during inclement weather.
Meanwhile, in a recent incident, the Mahabodhi Express (12397) was targeted in a stone-pelting incident during its approach to Mirzapur station, on Monday. Maintenance staff member CT Ravikesh Yadav reported that at approximately 7:21 PM, an unknown individual threw stones from the south side, hitting the guard's brake. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
"When the Mahabodhi Express (train number 12397) was nearing Mirzapur, the coach attendant and guard reported to control that a stone had hit the brake van. The control promptly notified the RPF and addressed the situation. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported," stated Shashikant Tripathi, CPRO of Northern Central Railway, while speaking to ANI.
