RPF to install solar CCTVs at vulnerable rail stretches to check stone pelting

Prayagraj: In the wake of the recent stone-pelting incident on the Lucknow-Delhi Swarna Shatabdi Express in Firozabad, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) would install solar-powered CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations across the Prayagraj Division of North Central Railway for better monitoring and quick identification of miscreants.Senior divisional security commissioner, RPF Prayagraj, Deepak Kumar Azad, said the RPF has intensified efforts to identify sensitive stretches across the division where trains frequently halt, cross each other, or where railway boundary walls are damaged.“These locations would be designated as ‘black spots’ and placed under enhanced surveillance.Depending on operational requirements, solar-powered CCTV cameras would be deployed at such locations to monitor suspicious activities and deter anti-social elements,’ he said.The cameras may not necessarily be installed permanently. Instead, they would be used flexibly and shifted to different locations based on requirements and threat assessments, he said. Railway officials believe this approach would help optimise resources while ensuring effective monitoring of vulnerable areas.Officials said discussions have already been held with the divisional railway manager regarding the plan.

Alongside technological interventions, the RPF is also strengthening its community policing initiatives.People living near railway tracks, including villagers and locals, are being encouraged to cooperate with railway authorities and report suspicious movements or activities.Officials said community participation, combined with modern surveillance systems, would play a key role in enhancing railway security and preventing incidents that endanger passenger safety and railway operations.