Co-creating a Railway Security Concept Against CBRNe Threats to Passenger Rail Transport Hubs

Abstract

Railways, as cornerstones of modern societies and open public spaces, face numerous threats, including those stemming from Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive (CBRNe) agents. Before first responders arrive at a potential CBRNe incident occurring in the rail environment, rail staff are likely to be the first to react and may be able to provide guidance or take appropriate, live-saving actions. Yet a gap remains regarding the sector’s CBRNe preparedness and response capabilities. The CBRNe4rail project aims to enhance railway stakeholders’ awareness and response capabilities. Through three technical work streams deploying project reviews, a survey with railway stakeholders, study visits at several railway stations and workshops with end-users, the project’s expected results include a CBRNe railway security concept and a CBRNe training curriculum, including one virtual reality scenario, all of which will take into account information systems used by the sector. By involving end-users throughout the process, the project aims to deliver practical tools, improving the resilience of passenger rail transport hubs against such threats.