The 18th UIC World Security Congress jointly organized by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC) concluded with the adoption of ‘Jaipur Declaration’ by outlining an actionable agenda for the 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 across the globe, by also fully activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.
Sanjay Chander, Director General, the RPF who has taken over as the Chairman of UIC Security Platform from July 2022 to July 2024, read out the ‘Jaipur declaration.’
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.’
In his valedictory address Pankaj Kumar Singh, Deputy National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister, complimented the role of UIC and its Security Platform for bringing together all stakeholders to develop solutions for emerging security threats.
Singh highlighted the exceptional role played by Railway Protection Force towards enhancing passenger security in India 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.
The Deputy Adviser called for adoption of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence 5G, loT among others to develop comprehensive solutions for Railway Security that covers all aspects of the railway system, including infrastructure, operations, and passenger experience.
The third and final day of Congress 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. 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 platforms 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 Jerzy Trocha and co-chaired by the Railway Protection Force, India represented by Mr. Munawar Khursheed, Inspector General, RPF was also explained.