New Delhi: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguard railway passengers, passenger areas, and railway property through continuous measures -preemptive, preventive as well as detective.

Beyond this mandate, the RPF also shoulders additional responsibilities in the interest of assisting railways in smooth operation of trains, helping passengers in distress and aiding law enforcement agencies for apprehension of fleeing suspects by trains.

In keeping with its mission to enhance railway security, RPF launched a month-long pan-India special drive during April 2023 to address two critical challenges to railway security. The first was to identify criminals involved in touting, including the touting of railway e-tickets, and take suitable action against them under provisions of the law.

The second drive was to identify black spots and vulnerable trains prone to incidents of stone pelting and take all necessary measures to curb this menace., During the drive, RPF personnel conducted regular inspections at railway stations, reservation counters and online content to detect and apprehend unauthorized ticket booking agents.

RPF personnel also educated the public on the dangers of booking tickets through unauthorized agents and encouraged them to use legitimate means to purchase tickets. As a result of these efforts, the RPF disrupted more than 42 illegal softwares with the arrest of 955 touts, super sellers, sellers.

Further, the RPF observed a sudden surge in incidents of stone pelting on running trains, which posed a serious threat to the safety and security of travelling passengers. In response, the RPF organized several drives to create awareness among the public about the consequences of stone pelting by working closely with local authorities and village administrations such as Gram Panchayats and their representatives, schools, settlements along the track, and colleges.

In addition, the RPF took several other measures, such as supplementing deployment at black spots, train escorting, and a drive against trespassers, leading to the apprehension of 2773 individuals under the provisions of the Railways Act. 

Special coordination meetings were also organized with police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement agencies in this regard, resulting in the arrest of 84 persons for committing this offence,

The Railway Protection Force is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of railway passengers, and the success of this month-long special drive is a testament to its unwavering commitment to this mission. The RPF will continue to undertake similar initiatives in the future to ensure security across India's railway networks. /BI/