To ensure maximum safety and security of women passengers and children on trains, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in South Eastern Railway launched a pilot project called Operation Meri Saheli on September 29. On January 3 members of the Meri Saheli team received information about a minor girl travelling alone on train number 02803 Ranchi- Howrah Special train.
During the investigation the girl informed that she is a resident of Khel Gaon and has left home without informing her parents. The child was disembarked at the Muri station where she was later reunited with her father by the Meri Saheli team.
“Since its launch the number 9102990687 has received as many as 65 SOS calls. It is an initiative for the safety of lady passengers especially those travelling alone. Such passengers are identified by RPF personnel at the originating station. They are then briefed and counseled about the precautions that need to be taken during the journey and are advised to dial 182 or 3102990687 in case of any problem. Any calls made to the Meri Saheli number are answered by a lady constable which further help women in explaining their problems better,” said Neeraj Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Ranchi Division.
On January 4, the RPF team at Ranchi railway station found a minor boy from Siwan district Bihar who had run away from home. The boy has been handed over to Child Line, Ranchi for further action by the RPF team.
Medical documents of passenger Abhiranjan Kumar- a resident of Arwal, Bihar were found by the Railway Protection Team in coach number S-5, train number 08625 Purnia Court- Hatia Special train on January 4. Kumar was approached by the RPF and handed over the documents.
On January 4, the RPF team found a bag containing a mobile phone and other valuables in coach number B-1, train number 08620 Dumka- Ranchi Special train at Hatia station. Upon investigation the RPF found that the bag belonged to Giridih resident Sunil Kumar Das who was later handed over his belongings.
Kumar further informed that the RPF team collects the seat numbers of female passengers and further shares them with personnel at corresponding stations. At the destination, feedback from the identified passengers is collective for corrective response.
Meri Saheli members also help women passengers in availing auto rickshaw, bus services carrying belongings pf elderly and needy passengers.