The 18^th UIC World Security Congress commenced in Jaipur, India, today. The 3-day Conference is being jointly organized by the International Union of Railways (UIC), Paris and the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The proceedings started with the welcome address by Mr. Sanjay Chander, Director General, Railway Protection Force, India who is also the Chairman, Security Platform of the UIC. During the welcome address, he mentioned about the importance of the Congress and the relevance of theme - “Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future”. The World Security Congress is a globally recognized security platform that brings together representatives from member Railway Organizations, delegates of UIC, policy makers, senior law-enforcement officials from State Polices and Railway Protection Force to discuss the current security challenges and deliberate on innovative solutions in the Railway Sector.

Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, in his video message to the attendees, welcomed them to the land of world’s largest democracy and one of the largest railway networks in the world. He said the event is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase how we can work together to create a safer and more secure Railway sector for the future.

Mr. A. K. Lahoti, CEO and Chairman, Railway Board, in his virtual address, said that security of freight, passengers and assets of Indian Railways has been done exceptionally by the Railway Protection Force which has a legacy as old as the Indian Railways. He highlighted how the UIC's World Security Congress provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas and best practices, and for forging new partnerships.

Mr. Francois Davenne, Director General of the UIC, emphasized that ensuring the security of freight, passengers and railways assets requires innovative approaches which can foresee the future challenges and accordingly develop a robust security infrastructure.

Mr. Xavier Roche, Director of Security, French Railways (SNCF) who is also the Vice Chairman of the Security Platform, UIC stated he is looking forward to a conference filled with constructive discussions, exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of railway security.

The keynote speech of the day was delivered by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shri. Kailash Sathyarthi who called upon the delegates to develop child-friendly policies and urged industry members to be more responsible and open to innovative partnerships. He stressed that in the fight against the heinous crime of child trafficking, intergovernmental agencies must work together in an accelerated manner rising above a business-as-usual agenda.

On the occasion, a Special UIC edition of the RPF Journal was released. The special edition of the RPF Journal contains articles from leading professionals from Indian and International police and security organizations, senior officials with decades of experience in civil administration and industry experts.

The event will continue over the next two days with more simulating presentations and networking opportunities.  

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. The Director General RPF, Shri Sanjay Chander, has taken over as the Chairman of the International UIC Security Platform from July 2022 to July 2024.

For more information about the conference, registration details, and the agenda, please visit https://uicwsc23.in.

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YB/DNS