Govt plans to make stations completely safe by 2022, says Railway minister in Mumbai

Goyal, who took a train between CSMT and Matunga, said more CCTV cameras will be installed in coaches and at stations across the country

Union railway minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday said more CCTV cameras will be installed in coaches and at stations across the country to prevent human trafficking and ensure safety of women and children.

Railway minister Piyush Goyal interacts with the all-women staff at Matunga railway station on Sunday. (Hemanshi Kamani/HT)

Goyal, who took a local train between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharah Terminus (CSMT) and Matunga, said by 2022, the government aims to make stations completely safe.

Citing an example of Bangalore railway station where a human trafficking bid was foiled with the help of CCTV cameras, Goyal said similar surveillance will be spread across the country.

He lauded railway staff and security personnel — all women — at Matunga for keeping the station safe. Matunga is the country’s first all-women station. It is manned by 24 women constables. Stressing on women empowerment, Goyal also felicitated Railway Protection Force official Rekha Mishra for solving 500 cases. He said more local station should be operated by women.

The railway ministry is working with the Nitin Gadkari-led transport ministry for speedy clearances of various projects, he said.