Finally, an end to stone pelting at trains

Railway lines are like the nerves of India. Although the intentions were far from righteous, railway lines connecting all the important cities, places and ports of India still remain the biggest contribution of the British during the imperial era. Although the railway system was started to facilitate the transportation of wood, tea and other spices, the Indian Railways is today the largest public transport system in the world, benefiting millions of passengers every day. In Indian railways, people can travel to faraway distances all at a modest cost.

Albeit being the most used transport system across the world, Indian railways used to take its share of blame mostly for lacking punctuality. This complaint has largely been resolved now.

Introducing Vande Bharat in India was a message on how both speed and comfort should go in tandem when it comes to elite transport services. The concerns of passengers and their relatives regarding travel safety are as old as the railways. Despite security arrangements improving in recent times, it has done little to fully stop the egregious robbery on trains.

Some train-related incidents have led to major political upheavals and riots in India. The images of the train that came from Pakistan filled with corpses during the partition and the burnt compartments in Godhra cannot be erased from the political conscience of India. The other day, a goods train caught fire in Tamil Nadu. The goods train carrying petrol and diesel derailed near Tiruvallur and caught fire. 18 wagons were burnt. Fortunately, there were no casualties. The discovery of a crack not far from the accident site has even raised doubts about whether this accident was a sabotage. All investigative agencies are now relying on CCTV cameras to clear such doubts.

CCTV cameras have helped solve enormous crimes in India. Therefore, the decision to install CCTV cameras in all trains in the country is commendable and reassuring. Four cameras will be installed in each coach and six cameras in the engines. These will be installed in a common area near the doors for privacy. Cameras will be installed in the front and sides of the engine so that the railway track and both sides can be seen. Officials believe that this will put an end to the bizarre incidents of stone pelting at trains in various parts of the country. Cameras will now be installed in 15,000 train engines and 74,000 coaches in the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is leading the railways forward with new reform measures, deserves all the support of the people.