The Narendra Modi government has, in reply to a question in Parliament, detailed the measures taken to ensure the safety of women passengers in trains. Minister of State (MoS) for Railways Rajen Gohain has given a written reply to a question asked in the Rajya Sabha.
According to a statement released by the Ministry of Railways, the MoS said in the written reply: "Policing on Railways being a state subject, prevention of crime, registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law and order in Railway premises as well as on running trains are the statutory responsibility of the state governments, which they discharge through the Government Railway Police (GRP)."
"However, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of the GRP by providing better protection and security of passenger area and passengers and for matters connected therewith. The RPF escorts important trains in affected areas and also provide access control duties at important and sensitive stations," he added.
The MoS also detailed the following steps taken for safety of women passengers in trains:
1. At least 2,500 trains on vulnerable routes and sections are escorted by RPF personnel every day, and 2,200 trains are escorted by the GRP daily.
2. Ladies-special trains running in metro cities are escorted by lady RPF constables.
3. Ladies' compartments in suburban trains running in metros are have RPF and GRP presence. Security personnel are deployed late at night and early in the morning in such trains.
4. Indian Railways has a security helpline number — 182 — for "security-related assistance to passengers in distress."
5. Male passengers are stopped from entering compartments reserved for ladies, and if they are found there, they are "prosecuted under the provisions of Railways Act."
6. CCTV cameras at 344 stations are used "to ensure safety and security of passengers."
7. The RPF coordinates with the state police to "ensure proper registration and investigation of crime by the GRP."
