NEW DELHI: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding railway property, passenger areas, and the well-being of travelers. The force has been working round the clock for providing safe, secure and comfortable travel experience to the passengers.

In October 2023, RPF continued to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of passengers, while also assisting Indian Railways in delivering reliable freight transport services to its customers.

RPF has ably discharged the responsibility of protection of huge assets of railways spread throughout the country by taking preventive security measures and making efforts for detection of crime against railway property as and when they occur.

A brief of the achievements of RPF during the month of October 2023 is as under –

Operation "Nanhe Faristey" - Rescuing Lost Children: Under the mission "Nanhe Faristey," RPF played a pivotal role in reuniting more than 601 children in need of care and protection with their families. These children were separated from their families for various reasons, and RPF worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return.

Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts (Operation AAHT): RPF's Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at various posts across the Indian Railways worked relentlessly to thwart the sinister plans of human traffickers. In October 2023, RPF rescued 39 persons from the clutches of traffickers.

Operation "Jeevan Raksha" - Saving Lives: RPF's vigilant and swift action, saved the lives of 262 passengers who had come close to getting run over by trains, at platforms and railway tracks, in the month of October 2023, under operation ‘Jeevan Raksha’.

Empowering Women Passengers - "Meri Saheli" Initiative: RPF takes the security of women passengers seriously and has launched the "Meri Saheli" initiative. During October 2023, 232 "Meri Saheli" teams attended 13,664 trains and provided security assurance to 423,803 lady passengers. RPF also took action against 5,722 individuals found in coaches reserved for women.

Cracking Down on Touts (Operation "Uplabdh"): In the fight against touts, RPF arrested 490 individuals in October 2023 and took legal action against them as per the law. Additionally, they seized future tickets valued at Rs. 43.96 lakhs, including 42 illegal software.

Operation "NARCOS" - Combating Drug Crimes: In a commendable effort, RPF arrested 99 individuals and seized narcotics valued at Rs. 5.99 crores during October 2023. These criminals were handed over to empowered agencies for further legal action.

Swift Response to Passengers' Concerns: RPF promptly addressed security-related passenger complaints through Rail Madad Portal and the helpline (No. 139 integrated with Emergency Response Support System No. 112). Over 30,300 complaints were received in October 2023, with RPF taking necessary actions to resolve them.

Operation "Yatri Suraksha" - Protecting Passengers: RPF supplements the efforts of police in preventing and detecting crimes against railway passengers. In October 2023, RPF arrested 256 criminals involved in offenses against passengers, delivering them to the concerned GRP/Police.

Ensuring Safety through "Operation Sanraksha": In a resolute effort to maintain passenger safety and protect railway services, RPF arrested 33 individuals involved in the perilous act of stone pelting on running trains in October 2023.

Assisting Those in Need (Operation Seva): With a humanitarian approach, RPF provided assistance to 272 elderly, sick, or injured passengers during their rail travels in October 2023.

Curbing Illegal Goods Transport (Operation Satark): Under "Operation Satark," RPF seized illegal tobacco products worth Rs. 10,33,149 and illegal liquor worth Rs. 26,12,656, apprehending 127 individuals. These individuals were handed over to the relevant Law Enforcement Agencies.

Source: PIB