NFR RPF STRENGTHENS PASSENGER SECURITY WITH FOCUSED INITIATIVES FOR WOMEN’S SAFETY

 Guwahati, 14^th October, 2026:

  

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) continues to strengthen passenger security through sustained vigilance, dedicated women-centric initiatives and prompt grievance redressal. Special emphasis is being laid on ensuring the safety, dignity and confidence of women passengers, particularly those travelling alone, through preventive measures, onboard security and timely assistance.

 

A key initiative in this direction is ‘Meri Saheli’, under which dedicated teams have been deployed at 22 major stations across NFR. These teams interact with women passengers, particularly those travelling alone, provide necessary assistance and offer reassurance to make their journeys safer and more comfortable. In addition, RPF personnel escort an average of 45 trains daily across NFR, including 13 Mail/Express trains covered by mixed escort teams comprising male and female RPF personnel. These measures strengthen the security presence onboard trains and facilitate prompt assistance to passengers in need.

To prevent unauthorized entry into ladies’ compartments, RPF regularly conducts special drives against male passengers violating railway rules. During the period from January to September 2026, 2,466 persons were apprehended and prosecuted under Section 162 of the Railways Act. Further, between 19 June and 30 September 2026, 219 persons were apprehended and penalties amounting to approximately ₹4.9 lakh were realised under the Jan Vishwas Act. These enforcement measures reinforce efforts to maintain a safe and comfortable travel environment for women passengers.

 

Under Operation ‘Matrishakti’, which focuses on assisting pregnant women passengers requiring help during childbirth, RPF personnel, particularly women officials, have played a significant role in providing timely assistance. During the current year, RPF personnel assisted in two childbirth cases on railway premises, demonstrating their commitment to extending support during emergencies. To enhance awareness about railway safety and the assistance available to women passengers, awareness videos are also being regularly shared through the social media handles of RPF/NFR and the official social media platforms of NFR.

 

RPF/NFR has also intensified its efforts to protect vulnerable passengers and combat human trafficking. Under Operation ‘Nanhe Farishtey’, 591 children, comprising 387 boys and 204 girls, were rescued from trains and railway premises between January and September 2026. These children were found to be runaway, left behind, destitute or missing. During the same period, RPF/NFR rescued 22 persons from trafficking, including 13 minors (eight boys and five girls) and nine women, while apprehending 10 alleged traffickers. These initiatives underscore RPF’s commitment to safeguarding children, women and other vulnerable individuals from exploitation and distress.

In another significant initiative, RPF/NFR has leveraged the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) portal to trace lost or stolen mobile phones. A total of 2,437 mobile phones have been traced, of which 352 have been recovered, with 21 criminals arrested in connection with these cases. RPF has also continued its drive against nuisance and disorderly conduct on railway premises. During the first nine months of 2026, 1,023 persons were apprehended and prosecuted under Section 145 of the Railways Act for creating nuisance.

 

RPF/NFR has maintained a proactive approach towards addressing passenger grievances received through Rail Madad. During September 2026, the force received complaints relating to 321 cases of luggage left behind, 52 cases of nuisance by passengers, seven complaints of misbehaviour with women passengers, 126 cases involving missing or non-responsive passengers and 27 cases concerning unauthorized persons in ladies’, disabled or reserved coaches. RPF personnel responded promptly to these complaints and resolved the reported issues, reinforcing the importance of effective grievance redressal and responsive passenger assistance.

 

Further strengthening passenger security, RPF/NFR registered 434 cases of theft of passenger belongings between January and September 2026. Of these, 241 cases were detected, leading to the arrest of 315 criminals. These efforts reflect the force’s continued focus on preventing crime and protecting passengers and their belongings across the railway network.

 

Through dedicated women-safety initiatives, regular train escorting, strict enforcement against offenders, rescue operations and prompt grievance redressal, RPF/NFR remains committed to providing a safer and more secure railway environment. Its sustained efforts reaffirm the priority accorded to passenger safety, with particular focus on women, children and other vulnerable sections of society.