Railway Protection Force to be strengthened

New Delhi, Dc 13 (ANI): Union Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav today stressed the need to strengthen the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in the light of changed security scenario in the country.

Speaking at the investiture parade of RPF here, the Minister outlined various measures to strengthen RPF. He pointed out that latest security equipments and vehicles will be provided to security men in all railway zones including those serving in Jammu and Kashmir.

He informed that three new battalions of RPF are proposed to be established and about 22000 posts in all railway zones will be created to meet the shortage of the manpower in RPF.

Besides, two companies of the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) will be established for North East Frontier region, he added.

Underscoring the importance of training, he announced that a special academy will set up for RPF personnel where they will be trained about the most modern security arrangements.

Lauding the valiant acts of Railway personnel during the recent Mumbai terror attacks, he announced cash award of Rs. 10 lakhs each to RPF head constable, Rs. 5 lakh each award to RPF inspector.

He also announced ex-gracia payment of Rs. 10 lakh each to the next of kin of persons killed in the CST attack and Rs. 50 thousand to the injured. (ANI)