Concerned over safety and security of female passengers, Railways is planning to have a separate women's wing in Railway Protection Force.
"For women security, we are going to form a 'Mahila Vahini' squad in RPF. They will be deployed in ladies compartments," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said here today after flagging off a new Shatabdi Express for Bhatinda.
At present the strength of women constables in the RPF is very miniscule. As per the plan, RPF will soon initiate the process of recruiting over 4,000 women constables.
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Proposals for having an exclusive Mahila Vahini squad has gone to Finance Ministry, he said adding that RPF has been instructed to be extra cautious to ensure security of passengers in general and women in particular.
"While CCTV will be installed in coaches, we are also developing a mobile app for women passengers. Through the app, alert messages can be sent which will be flashed everywhere," the railway minister said.
In order to prevent wastage of foodgrains and vegetables, Prabhu said Railways will make some arrangements with the Food Processing Ministry to provide better loading and storage facilties.
He also said that a special-purpose vehicle with Punjab will be formed to execute rail projects in the state.
Seeking states' cooperation, Prabhu said "At present there are about Rs six crore worth projects lying incomplete. So we are planning to have SPV with state governments to execute these projects."
Advocating decentralisation of power, Prabhu, who is considered to be pro-reform, said, "Railways have already taken steps to decentralise power structure. I have given instructions that no tender-related files will come to me. It will be dealt at General Manager-level. This will ensure transparency.
