New Delhi: The railways have initiated the process for recruiting about 10,000 RPF personnel in a major decision towards ensuring the safety of women passengers. Union railway minister Piyush Goyal announced reserving 50 per cent seats for women Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel recruitment.

Goyal laid the foundation stones for, and inaugurated, various railway facilities at different functions held in Patna and Ara on Sunday. The minister also announced that all 6,000 railway stations across the country and important trains will soon be brought under the surveillance of the close circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

He said the process for installation of CCTV cameras would be launched soon. At Ara, Goyal laid the foundation for several development projects, including electrification of 97-km-long Ara-Sasaram rail line. The project, worth Rs 91.29 crore, will help the railways increase speed of trains on this route and reduce traffic loan on Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay-Patna and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay-Gaya rail routes, said Goyal.

Attending the commencement of construction of a foot overbridge at Ara, Karisath, Koelwar and Kulhariya stations, the minister announced stoppage of Kumbha Express (Howrah-Haridwar express) at Ara station.

Applauding the local MP and minister of state for power (independent charge), RK Singh, for actively participating in the development of the area, the railway minister said, “RK Singh ne jina haram kar diya hai (R K Singh has made life miserable as he always remains proactive for his area). Now, due to the double engine, there will be more development in Bihar.” The railways have announced vacancies for about 1.25 lakh posts in different categories, he added.