More women constablesin suburban trains:Velu

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Railways will deploy more women constables in suburban trains for the safety of women passengers, Minister of State for Railways R Velu today told the Lok Sabha.

The safety of women passengers was one of the priority areas for the railways along with punctuality, Mr Velu said during Question Hour.

As many as 12,181 railway employees have been found responsible for causing delay of trains between January and July this year, he said, adding strict action would be taken against them after departmental inquiry.

Railway Minister Lalu Prasad said several measures are being taken to improve punctuality of trains. ''There is huge congestion on existing lines,'' Mr Prasad said, adding a third line (freight corridor) would bring down the congestion.

UNI