The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of Railways to ensure the highest standards of safety and security at all railway stations across India. The court’s decision came following a periodic audit of the safety and security measures in the Indian Railways.
In a judgment passed by Chief Justice of Delhi Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Saurabh Banerjee, the court urged the government to maintain the highest standards of safety and security after assessing the situation through periodic audits. The court responded to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Kush Kalra, an advocate, who sought direction to improve safety and security measures at railway stations in India.
According to the court’s findings, the Railways have already installed various security measures at stations, including CCTV cameras, luggage scanning devices, metal detectors, body-worn cameras, and dogs for sniffing and tracking. The Railways, in their affidavit, stated that they have also implemented an automatic train protection system.
The PIL highlighted the lack of certain safety and security measures, such as anti-collision devices, alcohol checking devices, emergency telephones, and CCTV cameras at stations. In response, the Railways stated that they have deployed CCTV cameras at existing stations, with ongoing efforts to install them at all 6124 railway stations.
The court observed that the Railways have taken necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of passengers, with paramount importance given to their well-being.
The implementation of an anti-collision device, developed by Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL), was mentioned in the affidavit. However, the Railways stated that complex operational and technical issues during trials have not been fully resolved.
Regarding alcohol checking devices, the Railways stated that they take action under Section 145 of the Railway Act against individuals found drunk or causing a nuisance. They also mentioned that 42,086 people were prosecuted for such offenses until July 2022. Furthermore, the Railways’ protection force and the government railway police ensure the safe and secure journey of passengers by escorting 3,200 trains daily.
To enhance passenger safety and security, the Railways have introduced measures such as the Meri Saheli operation, which aims to protect women passengers, especially those traveling alone. They have also established child helplines and anti-trafficking units at stations.
The court emphasized the Railways’ commitment to passenger safety and praised their efforts in implementing various security measures. It is important for the Railways to continue conducting periodic audits to ensure the highest standards of safety and security at railway stations nationwide.
The Delhi High Court’s directive reflects its dedication to protecting the interests of passengers and holding relevant authorities accountable for maintaining safety standards. With the implementation of these measures, passengers can expect improved safety and security at railway stations across the country.
