18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by RPF and International Union of Railways,concluded (23/02/2023)

23 FEB 2023

The 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force(RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded today with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration by the attendees. The conference brought together experts, stakeholders, and delegates from around the world to discuss the latest developments and best practices in railway security, focusing on the theme of “Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future.”

The final day of the conference saw the valedictory address given by Mr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Deputy National Security Adviser to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. He complimented the role of UIC and its Security Platform for bringing together all stakeholders to develop solutions for emerging security threats. He highlighted the exceptional role played by Railway Protection Force towards enhancing passenger security in lndia through various initiatives such as Operation Nanhe Farishte for rescue of children and Operation AAHT for rescuing women and children from the clutches of traffickers. He called for adoption of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence 5G, IoT among others to develop comprehensive solutions for Railway Security that covers all aspects of the railway system, including infrastructure, operations, and passenger experience.

Mr. Sanjay Chander, Director General, RPF who has taken over as the Chairman of UIC Security Platform from July 2022 to July 2024 read out the “Jaipur declaration” outlining an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that can help global Railway organizations achieve their long-term goal of safety and security. The declaration highlighted the commitment of UIC to work towards providing a more safe and secure rail network acrossthe globe, by also fully activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.

The final day of the conference started with a session on “Update on UIC Security Division activities,” which included a presentation on the working groups, workshop on the security hub, and the next steps of the security platform. Ms. Marie-Hélène Bonneau, Head of Security Division, UIC, and Ms. Daria Kardel, Senior Advisor, Security Division, UIC, provided the update to the delegates. They highlighted the critical role envisaged for UIC security platform in the future and stressed the key role of Railway Protection Force in developing solutions to address international security threats. The mandate of the Crisis Management Working Group chaired by PKP Railway, Poland represented by Mr. Jerzy Trocha and co-chaired by the Railway Protection Force, India represented by Mr. Munawar Khursheed, Inspector General, RPF was also explained.

An innovative approach, which was repeated after the last World Security Congress in Warsaw, Poland, involved holding a survey on the issues deliberated in all the four sessions. The survey was taken among the delegates who attended the Congress at Jaipur, India and others who participated virtually online on the user friendly Slido platform. The Questionnaires sought the views and opinions of all the participants on various aspects of security on railways stations, trains and other vital installations of the railways system.

The UIC World Security Congress has been a resounding success, bringing together industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders from countries around the world to share their knowledge and expertise in the field of railway security.

About UIC

The UIC (Union International Des Chemins) or International Union of Railways established in 1922 is headquartered in Paris. It is the worldwide professional association representing the railway sector for research, development & promotion of rail transport. Members are invited to take a proactive role in the UIC working groups and assemblies where the railways’ position on regional/worldwide issues is shaped. Active participation in the working groups is a unique opportunity to voice opinions and benefit from the weight of the railway sector at a coordinated worldwide level. The Security Platform of UIC is empowered to develop and formulate analysis and policy positions on behalf of the global rail sector in matters relating to security of persons, property and installations.

About Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the prime security and law- enforcement organization in the field of Railway Security in India. Constituted as a federal Force in the year 1957, RPF is responsible for security of railway property, passenger and passenger zones. RPF personnel serve the Nation and go the extra mile in their line of duty embodying its tagline “SEWA HI SANKALP”- “A PROMISE TO SERVE”. The RPF is now fully abreast of the dynamic security needs of the railway, its users and its stakeholders. RPF has also been implementing innovative solutions suited to the typical needs at the ground-zero level. RPF has the distinction of being the federal force of India with the largest share of women in its ranks.