On 18 March 2026, the UIC Security Platform’s New Technologies Working Group (NTWG) and the BEHOLDER EU project met for a joint in-person meeting at UIC headquarters, gathering around 30 participants.
The WG meeting focused on “Innovative technologies to detect CBRNE threats”. Several UIC members and partners shared practical experiences with CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive) detection and preparedness. Presentations covered examples of the limited use of CBRNE sensors in rail operations such as: radiation monitoring systems in major Polish stations presented by Daria Kardel from PKP S.A; involvement in testing low‑cost CBRN sensors in the NEST project by João Azevedo from CP (Portugal); and Indian Railways’ approach to Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) preparedness and response by Sonali Mishra (IPS DG RPF).
The morning session also provided an overview of UIC’s preparedness work, presented by Grigore Havârneanu and Laura Petersen. They highlighted key lessons from the UIC-led EU projects PROACTIVE, IMPRESS and CBRNE4RAIL and stressed the need for research outputs to reflect real operational constraints in the rail sector. Paula Fernández Díaz presented the results of the 58th Network of Quick Responders on Explosive Trace Detectors, showing limited use and continued reliance on state authorities and detection dogs. Then, Joost Overdijkink provided an overview of the regulatory framework for transporting dangerous goods (RID), outlining stakeholder responsibilities and UIC’s role in supporting members through guidelines, best practices and international collaboration.
The afternoon session was dedicated to the EU co-funded BEHOLDER project (Build and Extend CBRN-E related Hazard-Assessment and Anomaly Detection Capabilities in Urban Environments), allowing for the technical solution providers to showcase the various CBRNE detection technologies the consortium is developing. Together, the BEHOLDER solutions aim to enhance early warning capabilities, reduce false alarms, and support decision-making processes of operators and first responders in real operational settings.
The session concluded with an interactive discussion on rail end-users’ expectations, emphasising the need for reliable, low-false-alarm sensors, easily integrated into the existing security system, rail infrastructure and rolling stock, without adding another complexity layer.
This event also provided the opportunity for a high-level meeting between Sonali Mishra (IPS DG RPF Indian Railways), François Davenne (UIC Director General), Philippe Lorand (UIC Coordinator of Asia – Pacific region) and Grigore Havârneanu (Deputy Director of the UIC Security Department). The exchange allowed the initial discussion of priority topics to be further addressed in the Asia-Pacific region.
The workshop was followed by the Steering Committee (SC) meeting held on 19 March 2026 in hybrid format. The session reported on the ongoing activities of the UIC Security Platform and its strategic partners. The SC also agreed on the dates of upcoming events and key topics to be addressed in the coming months, notably the 21st edition of the UIC World Security Congress to be hosted by Irish Rail in Dublin on 3-5 November 2026.
