Railway officials have recently announced that the North Central Railway (NCR) is taking significant steps to ensure the safety and security of women passengers on trains. One of these initiatives is the formation of the all-women ‘Meri Saheli’ squad, comprised of women Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel. This dedicated team is assigned the crucial task of escorting trains and providing support to women who are traveling alone or in groups without any male companions.
The ‘Meri Saheli’ squad goes beyond merely ensuring physical safety. These women RPF personnel actively engage with women passengers, offering moral support and assistance during their journey. They are specially trained to handle various situations and intervene when necessary, including cases involving children at risk or potential victims of trafficking.
To raise awareness about women’s security and promote safe travel, the ‘Meri Saheli’ team recently participated in the 38th Indira Marathon in Prayagraj. They ran with messages promoting safe rail travel and highlighting their mission to make train journeys safer for women. The participation in the marathon aimed to create public awareness about the initiatives undertaken by the RPF NCR to prioritize women’s safety on the Indian Railway network.
In addition to proactive measures, the RPF NCR has also showcased commendable performance in rescue operations. In 2023 alone, they rescued 17 passengers from perilous situations near moving trains. Furthermore, through their operation ‘Nanhe Farishte,’ the RPF NCR successfully rescued 738 unaccompanied children at risk in stations and trains, preventing them from becoming victims of child abuse.
Under the guidance of AN Sinha, IG-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner, the NCR divisions of Jhansi, Agra, and Prayagraj are working diligently to ensure the security of all passengers, with a special emphasis on the safety of women. The presence of women RPF personnel throughout the NCR further reinforces this commitment, as they actively address security-related concerns of women passengers, elderly women, and children.
Overall, the formation of the all-women ‘Meri Saheli’ squad and the various initiatives undertaken by the RPF NCR are significant steps towards ensuring safe and secured rail travel for women in India.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of the ‘Meri Saheli’ squad?
The ‘Meri Saheli’ squad, comprised of women RPF personnel, is assigned the task of escorting trains and ensuring the security and support of women passengers who are traveling alone.
2. What kind of assistance do the ‘Meri Saheli’ teams provide?
The ‘Meri Saheli’ teams provide moral support and assistance to women passengers, specifically addressing their security-related issues and intervening in situations involving children at risk.
3. How does the RPF NCR raise awareness about women’s security?
Recently, a team of RPF officers and staff participated in a marathon, carrying messages promoting safe rail travel and creating public awareness about the initiatives undertaken for women’s safety.
4. How successful has the RPF NCR been in rescue operations?
In 2023, the RPF NCR rescued 17 passengers from dangerous situations near moving trains. They also successfully rescued 738 unaccompanied children at risk through their ‘Nanhe Farishte’ operation.
5. What is the role of the women RPF personnel in ensuring women’s safety?
Women RPF personnel deployed throughout the NCR attend to women passengers, elderly women, and children, addressing their security-related concerns to ensure safe rail travel for them.
