The Delhi High Court has emphasized the "paramount importance" of the safety and security of passengers in the Indian Railways and directed the Centre to conduct periodic safety and security audits. The court's ruling came in response to a public interest litigation filed by advocate Kush Kalra, raising concerns about anti-collision systems and the lack of safety and security measures, including CCTVs, baggage scanners, and metal detectors, at railway stations.
While disposing of the petition, the bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Saurabh Banerjee highlighted the need for maintaining the highest standards of safety and security at all railway stations across the country. The court took note of the safety measures undertaken by the authorities, including the installation of CCTV cameras, luggage scanning devices, door frame metal detectors, and hand-held metal detectors.
The court commended the efforts of the Indian Railways in implementing safety measures and mechanisms like the Automatic Train Protection System and Train Collision Avoidance System. It further noted that the Railways had undertaken the task of providing CCTV cameras at all 6,124 railway stations and deploying anti-trafficking units for the safety of women passengers.
In response to the petition, the Indian Railways had assured the court that Automatic Train Protection Systems were in the process of being implemented. It also informed the court about the installation of the Modem Train Control System with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-2 on specific sections, ensuring enhanced safety for train passengers.
While the court recognized the steps taken by the authorities, the petitioner pointed out that many railway stations still lacked necessary security measures. The court called for a periodic audit of safety and security measures in the Indian Railways to ensure their effectiveness and continued compliance with the highest standards.
The court's direction serves as a crucial step towards enhancing passenger safety on trains and at railway stations. By conducting regular audits and addressing any deficiencies promptly, the Indian Railways can ensure a safer and more secure travel experience for millions of passengers across the country.
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