PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Oct 17: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has so far this year rescued 862 women from perilous situations near moving trains under various railway stations of the South Eastern Railway zone.
Under “Operation Nanhe Farishte,” RPF also rescued 2,898 unaccompanied girls who were at risk in stations and trains, preventing them from falling into prey of anti-social elements.
Meanwhile, to express their dedication a 25-member team of RPF participated in the Delhi Half Marathon 2023 held yesterday to promote the cause of safe and secure travel on trains for women.
The objective behind the run was to create public awareness about various initiatives of RPF aimed at promoting women’s safety and security on the Indian Railways network. In particular, attention was focused on the “Meri Saheli” initiative.
Empowering women is a non-negotiable part of India’s vision for development. Achieving the prosperous India envisioned by the Prime Minister hinges on ensuring women’s safety in public spaces, especially in the extensive public transport network.
Since railways serve as the primary mode of public transport, the safety of women who travel by train every day is pivotal to our nation’s holistic development.
The RPF working under the Ministry of Railways, has been diligently working to enhance the safety of women railway passengers.
The “Meri Saheli” teams, operating across India’s vast railway network, have been offering assistance and security to countless women travelling alone on long-distance trains.
RPF’s women personnel work side by side with their male counterparts to ensure women’s safety on trains and within railway premises.
So far this year RPF have also saved 51 minor girls and six women from the clutches of human traffickers.
RPF women personnel have assisted the delivery of 130 mothers who went into labour during train journeys, with the utmost respect for their privacy and dignity.
Responding to more than 185,000 helpline calls, RPF personnel have acted swiftly to resolve passengers’ issues, particularly those affecting women in distress, such as the destitute, the unwell, the elderly and the specially-abled.
