UIC Security Platform holds the Steering Committee and three Working Group meetings April 30th 2024

The UIC Security Platform initiated its spring activities with a series of meetings, including sessions for the Human Factors Working Group (HFWG), the Sabotage, Intrusion, and Attack Working Group (SIAWG), the Steering Committee, and a workshop on “AI-Related Technologies in the Railway Security Domain” organized by the New Technologies Working Group (NTWG).

On the morning of April 17, 2024, the HFWG convened both in-person at UIC Headquarters in Paris and online to explore training and awareness campaigns designed to combat violence and terrorism within the railway sector. The session saw active participation from over thirty members across four UIC regions, along with a guest from the German Police University. Luciano Bentenuto from VIA Rail kicked off the discussions, presenting Canada’s government-led campaign on responding to armed intruders. Following this, Stig Brahn from Trafikverket introduced Sweden’s ‘Safety in Public Environment – Public Transport’ project, which involves the development of two security training courses. Marius Kupper from EVR discussed Eesti Raudtee’s awareness activities against violent crime and terrorist threats. Catherine Jarrige of SNCF then showcased SNCF’s initiatives aimed at boosting security awareness in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games. The HFWG will reconvene in Autumn 2024, focusing on strategies for de-escalating aggressive behavior.

Later that afternoon, the SIAWG met at UIC Headquarters and online to address the issue of metal theft. The session began with findings from the 49th Network of Quick Responders survey, highlighting an increase in metal theft incidents and their significant financial and operational impacts. Benjamin Burghard from DB AG presented “Metal Theft – Old Problem, New Solutions,” and Peter Friberg from Trafikverket provided insights into the situation in Sweden. Participants from over thirty UIC regions shared best practices and operational experiences. The SIAWG plans to update the 2013 UIC Metal Theft in Railway Operations brochure.

On April 18, 2024, the UIC Security Platform Steering Committee held a hybrid meeting with some members present in Paris and others joining online. Manoj Yadava, General Director of the Railway Protection Force of Indian Railways and Chair of the UIC Security Platform, addressed key rail security issues including terrorism, metal theft, human trafficking, and the need for fostering a security-conscious culture among passengers through awareness and training programs. Vice Chair Xavier Roche, Security Director at SNCF, reiterated these points and detailed SNCF’s comprehensive security strategy for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

The steering committee’s agenda included preparations for the 19th World Security Congress, the call for vice-chairpersonship candidates, updates from working groups, regional reports, and collaborations with partners like RAILPOL and CER. Additionally, the committee received updates on UIC Security Division activities, such as the upcoming joint UNECE – UIC workshop on railway security for vulnerable users, recent Network of Quick Responders surveys, and ongoing EU-funded projects like IMPRESS, CYRUS, ODYSSEUS, and SafeTravellers.

On April 25, the NTWG hosted an online workshop focused on AI-related technologies in railway security, with participants from over 20 countries. The 48th Network of Quick Responders survey results were discussed, covering national regulatory frameworks, current use cases, technology deployment stages, and future challenges and impacts on the workforce. Armand Raudin of SNCF, along with David Cabili from XXII, presented on SNCF’s AI-driven security preparations for the Paris Olympics, aimed at facilitating seamless travel for 15 million tourists. Yannick Ragonneau from Vona Consulting outlined how AI and its generative applications can enhance railway security and efficiency. The NTWG plans to develop a guidance document on potential AI use cases by the end of the year.