PATROLLING OF TRACKS IN SABOTAGE PRONE AREAS
Indian Railways have
decided to undertake patrolling of track in the sections considered
sabotage prone keeping in view safety of passengers. This includes
stationary watchmen at identified bridges and surprise mobile
patrolling by a joint team of Railway Protection Force (RPF) and
gangmen in identified sections.
Besides, periodical
meetings of RPF are held with State Police and Intelligence agencies
to ensure better coordination for track safety.
Guarding of track
and bridges against miscreant activity is the statutory responsibility
of concerned State Governments.
A non-lapsable
Special Railway Safety Fund (SRSF) of Rs. 17,000 crores, set up
in 2001-2002, has been operational since October 2001. The SRSF
is intended to wipe out the arrears of replacement of over-aged
assets like track, bridges, rolling stock and signalling gears
within a fixed time frame of six years.
