Russian Railways intends to promptly procure and install equipment to screen passengers at railway stations, the head of the Russian rail monopoly said on Thursday.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev paid a surprise visit to Kievsky Station in Moscow earlier in the day, criticizing security at the bustling terminus when he did not see any police.
Medvedev instructed Russian Railways CEO Vladimir Yakunin to bring order to the rail security and report on the situation within three days.
"The company fully supports the measures that the state is implementing in order to ensure transport security," Yakunin was quoted as saying by the RZD press service.
Transport security has been high on the president's agenda after last month's deadly terrorist attack on Moscow's Domodedovo Airport, which killed 36 and injured more than 100.
The rail chief said funds for the installation of new security equipment were made available in late December 2010, but following the suicide bombing at Domodedovo, the company intends to dramatically accelerate the process of equipping stations with the necessary technology.
The company added that it was for the state to decide who will use the equipment, and conduct searches of passengers.
"Following a meeting with the Russian president RZD is preparing its proposals for amending existing legislation. RZD is taking all possible measures to ensure passenger safety," the company said.
After criticizing the inadequate security at Kievsky Station, the president ordered the head of the Federal Security Service to do everything possible to ensure that law enforcement officers do their jobs.
"They should work properly instead of hanging around and drinking tea," he said, adding that there will be significant reshuffles among transport officials.
"Unfortunately, even the most tragic incidents do not teach us anything, so if the state services' officials are unable to perceive information...we will have to make personnel decisions," the president said.
MOSCOW, February 10 (RIA Novosti)
