Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday assured stringent measures against individuals involved in recent stone-pelting incidents targeting trains. Addressing the media, he emphasised that the railway administration works closely with state governments to enhance safety.
“The entire railway staff constantly communicates with state authorities, including DGPs and Home Secretaries. Strict action will be taken against anyone involved in these incidents,” Vaishnaw stated.
He highlighted the ongoing collaboration with state police forces and the significant security advancements, particularly the indigenously developed Kavach system. “Kavach is a major development for railway security. The latest version, Kavach 4.0, was finalized on July 16, 2024, and its first installation has been completed from Sawai Madhopur to Kota and Nagda,” Vaishnaw noted.
Kavach is an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system designed to enhance train safety by automatically applying brakes in case of driver inaction and ensuring safe operations during harsh weather conditions.
The central government treats security threats with the utmost seriousness and strict action will be taken against anyone attempting to sabotage trains, the railway minister told reporters at the Jaipur airport.
According to railway officials, the minister will board the Kavach-fitted engine of a train at 4 pm at the Sawai Madhopur railway station and travel for 45 minutes up to the Indargarh station, reports PTI.
In response to a recent stone-pelting incident involving the Mahabodhi Express near Mirzapur station, where a stone struck the guard’s brake van, Vaishnaw reassured that no injuries were reported, and railway officials promptly addressed the situation.
The minister also mentioned that the administration remains on high alert for potential sabotage attempts and is in continuous dialogue with law enforcement agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to prevent any untoward incidents.
Vaishnaw is in Jaipur to review the Kavach-fitted train’s operation and inspect the newly constructed roof plaza at Gandhi Nagar railway station.
(With agency inputs)
