Looking at the benefits of strategic rail security issues from international benchmarking, exchange of best practices and institutional partnerships are needed. Providing a high level of security for rail infrastructure is important for both the authorities in Europe and Asia, so in this respect, this year, between 23 and 25 June, over 200 delegates from 30 countries gathered in Istanbul for the 6th World Congress on Railway Security (UIC Security 2010) jointly organised by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and Turkish Railways (TCDD). This leading international railway event brings together major players involved in rail and transport security issues: railway security managers, representatives of international organisations, rail supply industry, universities and research bodies.
Solutions can be shared
All speakers have highlighted the strategic importance of maintaining a high-level of security which takes into account the impact on railway operation, quality of service, company results and on the image of rail transport. Turkish Minister Binali Yildirim insisted on the fact that “security is an international issue, even if routes are national and the best road is a road that you already know, meaning where you feel secure”. In this perspective international cooperation is an important goal to achieve, in particular for Turkey, a country with numerous international connections by land, sea and air. With this occasion, Mustapha Firat, Deputy Under Secretary of State for Transport added that the priority for customers is to reach their destination in safe conditions. For Turkey the project of recreating the Silk Road includes the challenge of sustainable transport security. According to UIC Chairman Yoshio Ishida, “it is extremely important to share common values between railways also in the security issue and to take advantage of Members’ experience to optimise the security level and limit recurring incidents”. UIC is now well re-organised and able to handle this global issue efficiently”.
Süleyman Karaman, President and CEO of TCDD presented the ambitious plans to develop a highly-efficient railway network to benefit passengers (high speed) and freight customers (freight corridors) for Turkey taking into account all the challenges in terms of environment and security. He underlined the importance to implement adequate policies at national level and share best experiences between countrıes. “Railway companies have to invest even more energy time and resources in security issues – alongside its traditional activities – to avoid citizens, customers and staff facing disruption, threats or even danger in the course of their daily business”, said UIC Director General Jean-Pierre Loubinoux. He added that “we all have a responsibility as members of society and as responsible businessmen and women”. In this respect “cooperation and a deep-rooted partnership between all involved, both nationally and internationally, play a fundamental role in making all parties work together and more efficiently”.
Participants agreed on several points included on a Joint Declaration in which they stressed that rail security is a responsibility to be shared between railway companies, who must protect their activities, national authorities, who are in charge of the security of people and goods on their territories, and international institutions and bodies which must ensure coherence beyond the domestic level.
by Elena Ilie
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