**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Railways has issued a security advisory urging passengers to remain vigilant following recent incidents, including fire incidents, involving anti-social elements. During a high-level security review on May 21, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw directed the enhancement of intelligence gathering and the integration of advanced technologies like AI and drones. Passengers are instructed to report any suspicious activities immediately via the 139 helpline.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Technology-Driven Security**
* Intensive use of AI, drones, and CCTV to monitor trains, station premises, and the rail network.
* Deployment of AI-based surveillance, monitoring systems, and upgraded camera specifications.
* Strengthening of cyber security measures across the railway infrastructure.
* **Intelligence and Coordination**
* Strengthening the Railway Protection Force (RPF) intelligence-gathering mechanism at the beat level.
* Improving information-sharing and coordination between the RPF and the Government Railway Police (GRP).
* Enhancing operational security coordination between the Railway Board headquarters and various field zones.
* **Public Safety and Incident Response**
* Investigation of recent incidents by the RPF to identify and contain anti-social elements.
* Emphasis on a "mission mode" approach to safety and faster processing of security inputs.
* Utilization of the national helpline number 139 for real-time reporting of suspicious activities.
**Impact Analysis**
**Passengers**
**Impact**
Passengers are required to take a more active role in railway security and maintain high levels of alertness during their journeys.
**Action Required**
Stay vigilant at station premises and on trains; report any suspicious person or activity immediately to helpline number 139.
**Railway Protection Force (RPF)**
**Impact**
The RPF is tasked with deeper involvement in intelligence gathering at the local level and leading investigations into recent security breaches.
**Action Required**
Strengthen beat-level intelligence, improve reporting systems, and enhance coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) for effective security management.
**Field Officials and Zones**
**Impact**
Field zones must adopt modern technology and improved coordination protocols directed by the Ministry.
**Action Required**
Implement AI-based surveillance, upgrade CCTV camera specifications, and ensure seamless information sharing with the Railway Board headquarters.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary government body conducting the high-level security review and implementing technology-driven safety measures.
Railway Protection Force (RPF): The specialized security force responsible for intelligence gathering at the beat level and probing incidents involving anti-social elements.
Ashwini Vaishnaw: The Railway Minister who chaired the security meeting and directed the integration of AI, drones, and CCTV for network safety.
Helpline Number 139: The official railway helpline designated for passengers to report suspicious activities or persons.
Government Railway Police (GRP): The police agency involved in the information-sharing mechanism with the RPF for coordinated security management.
Ministry of Railways
Railways Urges Passengers to Stay Alert &
Vigilant While Travelling
Report any Suspicious Activity or Person Indulging in It to
Helpline Number 139 to Check Anti-Social Elements
Targeting Railways
Railway Minister Reviews Security Meeting with Field
Officials in New Delhi Amid Recent Incidents Targeting
Railways
Intelligence Gathering From Field Being Enhanced Using
Modern Technology: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Posted On: 21 MAY 2026 2:13PM by PIB Delhi
Railways are using the latest technology tools like AI, drones, CCTV etc. intensively to enhance the
safety of trains, passengers, station premises and the vast rail network. This is being undertaken in a
mission mode by strengthening the intelligence gathering mechanism at the beat level of the Railway
Protection Force (RPF). In a crucial high-level security review meeting held in New Delhi today, the
Railway Ministry carried out extensive consultations with field officers from across the country in the
presence of senior officials in the national capital. The meeting was chaired by Railway Minister
Ashwini Vaishnaw at Rail Bhawan. Ministers of State for Railways V. Somanna and Ravneet Singh
Bittu were also present, besides the Chairman, Railway Board.It was noted during the meeting that in the last few days, the involvement of anti-social elements has
emerged during the initial probe into multiple incidents, including some recent fire incidents. Indian
Railways has taken these incidents seriously and the RPF is actively probing them. In several cases,
prompt and proactive action by Railways helped avert major eventualities. It was also felt that, besides
strengthening intelligence systems and the use of technology to process inputs faster, Railways will
further encourage passengers to actively support efforts in containing anti-social activities during their
journey and while waiting at station premises. Railways has thus urged passengers to remain alert and
vigilant while travelling. Any suspicious activity or suspicious person noticed on railway premises
should be immediately reported on the Railway helpline number 139.Discussions during the security review meeting focused on strengthening intelligence gathering
mechanisms from the field through an improved reporting system. Emphasis was also laid on
enhancing technology-driven security systems, expanding CCTV coverage across the railway network,
and improving operational security coordination between Railway Board headquarters and field zones.
The meeting also highlighted strengthening cyber security, upgrading camera specifications, and
deploying AI-based surveillance and monitoring systems. The meeting further focused on strengthening
coordination by improving information-sharing mechanisms between RPF and Government Railway
Police for more effective security management across the railway network.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma
(Release ID: 2263654) Visitor Counter : 1129
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