Indian Railways is the world’s largest transport organization and covers a vast network of a 63,122 route kilometres, carrying about 13.7 million passengers and more than a million tons freight everyday.
Crime control in an organization of such magnitude is a unique challenge in itself. Railway Crime has a peculiarity of its own, since it affects a wide spectrum of public and as always, a hot subject with the media.
On board RPF train escorts are being provided on important and long distance mail express passenger trains for protection and security of railway passengers. Specially trained RPF commandos are being deployed in prestigious trains like Rajdhant Express in extremely vulnerable sections. RPF has powers to arrest, enquire and prosecute under several provisions of the Railways Act, which enables them in keeping railway premises free of anti-social elements.
RPF personnel are being deployed for access control duties which includes manning platforms, reservation counters, booking offices, parking area, waiting halls etc.
Effective security is never by accident; it is always the result of proper planning, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful executions, it represents the wise and judicious choice of many alternatives.
RPF is charged with the stupendous task of protecting railway property worth billions of rupees. To discharge their duties effectively and purposefully, RPF has been given powers to arrest, enquire and prosecute into offences relating to crime against Railway property under Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act.
RPF personnel are being deployed in vulnerable sections or during law and order problems for protection of vital installations viz Microwave towers, electric substations, control rooms etc to ensure safe and punctual running of trains.
Railway stations like Sealdah, Howrah, Mumbai CST, Churchgate, New Delhi stations etc. deal with more than a million commuters daily. RPF personnel are being utilized in regulating passengers’ traffic, arranging queues etc at above stations and Passenger reservation centres during Rush hour to prevent crime or stampede.
RPF personnel are manning Assistance Booths/Yatri Mitra Yojna at several important Railway Stations to assist and guide passengers. These booths provide facilities like First-aid, wheel chair etc and information related to train arrival/departure, bus routes, addresses and telephone numbers of hospitals, hotels etc. To sensitize passengers and create awareness among them, Street plays are organized as well as pamphlets/stickers are distributed. Queue system is promoted at booking offices/general coaches to assist weaker sections and to prevent stamped.
Carrying of illegal arms/explosives, smuggling of drugs/currency notes/contraband goods is rampant in the trains. RPF escorts and Crime Intelligence teams have successfully busted many smugglers’ gangs and arrested criminals in possession of drugs, illegal arms/explosives on many occasions.
RPF in tandem with NGOs like Prayas, Vikas Jyoti Trust etc. are actively involved in rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, runaway and destitute children on Railway premises. Welfare Centres, schools/night shelters child help lines have been started in most of the important stations for social improvement, educational development and economic assistance of Juvenile and destitute children. RPF personnel have shown exemplary dedication to the cause of those midnight’ children for whom no flower blooms.
Special Squads viz Tejaswani, Surakshani, Durga Vahini, Bhairavi ete consisting of lady constables have been constituted for escorting local trains to curb the nuisance of male commuters in ladies compartments. This has greatly reduced harassment of lady passengers in vulnerable sections during rush hours and otherwise.
Specially trained RPF units have been raised in each division of Indian Railways to conduct relief operations at accident sites. Such railway operations include rescue and transportation of injured passengers, crowd control, safeguarding passengers’ luggage etc