The EU project Protectrail aims to improve security through better protection of railways and trains and to reduce disparity in security between European railway systems.

The progress meeting and steering board were held on 1-3 February at UIC headquarters.

The main focus of this progress meeting was to take stock of the first results and to hold discussions on the way forward before the final demonstration of the project that will be organised by PKP PLK (Polish Infrastructure manager) at the end of the project in less than 3 years.

At this stage, the work is focused on user requirements and scenario definitions vis-à-vis the main threats and vulnerabilities. The railway sector was represented by UIC and five of its members (LITRAIL, PKP PLK, SNCF, TCDD and ZSSK) who are directly involved in this work. Other railways as well as stakeholders such as railway police, national authorities and rail European organisations are also involved through the UIC security platform and in UIC security activities.

The industry provider partners will have to fulfil these requirements and to integrate these elements in their work.