Travel by rail has been and still remains the backbone of transportation in India. The rail network, which spans the length and breadth of the country has been upgraded since its imperial beginnings and today with modern means, it carries a large number of travellers from one part of the country to the other at nominal prices. Given the importance and large volumes of people movement, it is necessary that the passengers are assured of security and a safe travel environment.
This thankless job is being done by a force of personnel— Railway Protection Force (RPF)—who are committed to provide the rail passengers the best facilities and amenities along with ensuring a safe and secure environment. It is worth mentioning that RPF is the sole caretaker of security of railway property, passenger areas and travellers and has been escorting 220 trains over the Northern Railways.
Ensuring that security is not compromised and anti-social elements do not cause difficulties, till date the RPF has arrested 61,211 persons under different sections of the Railway Act. Fines amounting to Rs 15,150,420 have been collected till date in the current year. Railway property worth Rs 2,552,101 has been recovered with the arrest of 484 persons under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act. Up till July this year, RPF has apprehended 250 IPC criminals involved in passenger related crimes and handed them to GRP.
The year 2018 has been declared as a year of “Women and Child Security” and in this regard, Bhairavi and Virangna teams have been formed comprising of lady RPF staff. As many as 1,384 male passengers travelling in ladies coach have been arrested till now. RPF has undertaken an important task of rescuing lost or run-away children. Till July this year, 2,137 children including 221 girls were rescued and handed over to different non-government organisations (NGOs) so that they can be reunited with their families.