The Minister of Railways Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal has said that to strengthen the security of rail passengers, especially women passengers, Railways have already created four companies of women RPF personnel and another eight would be set up. Presenting the Railway Budget for 2013-14 in Parliament today he said, recruitment to RPF is being conducted with 10% vacancies reserved for women. He said, the presence of women RPF personnel will be further strengthened with the field units.

The Minister said, many trains are being escorted by Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force in sensitive sections. Further, the Ladies Special local trains in Metropolitan Cities are being escorted by lady RPF Staff. Shri Bansal said, security helpline numbers have been made available on several zonal railways to facilitate passengers in reporting any untoward incidence for immediate intervention.

MKP/AD/DB

(Release ID :92496)

Women reservation in Railway Protection Force strengthens passenger security, increases female patrol companies, and improves reporting channels. The Ministry mandates 10% vacancies reserved for women in Railway Protection Force recruitment and will expand women RPF companies (four created, eight planned) to bolster female presence in security roles. Women RPF personnel will escort Ladies Special local trains and be strengthened in field units. Sensitive sections and many trains will continue to receive police or RPF escort, and zonal railways have implemented security helpline numbers to enable passenger reporting and prompt intervention.