In the aftermath of the recent train firing incident, the Railway Board has officially refuted any directive to replace the automatic rifles of Railway Protection Force (RPF) escorting parties with pistols, as confirmed by the Central Railway on Friday.

Addressing the media during a press conference on the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the Central Railway's General Manager, Naresh Lalwani, categorically stated that no such communication has been received from the Railway Board. He further clarified that he, too, has not issued any directive to the RPF regarding the replacement of rifles with pistols, according to PTI.

The Railway Board has promptly set up a high-level committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the tragic incident, which occurred on July 31, wherein an RPF constable, Chetan Singh, fatally shot Assistant Sub-Inspector Tikaram Meena and three passengers on the Jaipur-Mumbai Central Express (of Western Railway).

The decision to equip RPF personnel with automatic rifles was made in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in 2008, aimed at bolstering security measures for passenger safety.

Notably, certain sections of the media had reported on a proposal to replace rifles with pistols after the unfortunate incident on July 31.

During the press conference, Mr. Lalwani also discussed the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, emphasizing that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate improvement works at railway stations across the country, including three in Mumbai, on August 6.

The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme aims to comprehensively upgrade and modernize 76 railway stations under the Central Railway's purview. The development plan includes enhancing amenities such as access, circulating areas, waiting halls, toilets, lifts/escalators, and ensuring cleanliness. Additionally, the scheme envisions providing free Wi-Fi, better passenger information systems, executive lounges, and landscaping to enhance passenger experience.

Mr. Lalwani elaborated on the long-term vision of the scheme, which includes improvements in building infrastructure, seamless integration of stations with the city on both sides, multimodal integration, facilities for Divyang persons, sustainable and environment-friendly solutions, provision of ballast-less tracks, and the creation of city centers at stations.