The ladies special trains running in metropolitan cities are being escorted by women Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables, Rajya Sabha was informed today.
"The ladies compartments in suburban trains running in metropolitan cities are being escorted by RPF and GRP. Staff deployment is made during late night and early morning in such trains to ensure proper security to the lady passengers," Minister of State for Railway Rajen Gohain said in a written reply.
"The ladies special trains running in metropolitan cities are being escorted by lady RPF constables," he said.
With policing being a state subject on Railways, prevention of crime, registration of cases, their probe and maintenance of law and order on railway premises as well as on running trains are the statutory responsibility of the state governments, which they discharge through Government Railway Police (GRP).
However, RPF supplements the efforts of the GRP by providing better protection and security of passenger area and passengers, and for matters connected therewith. RPF escorts important trains in affected areas and also provide access control duties at important and sensitive stations.
Besides, he said several measures were being taken by Railways for safety and security of passengers in trains.
On vulnerable and identified routes/sections, about 2500 trains are escorted by Railway Protection Force daily, in addition to 2200 trains escorted by Government Railway Police of different states daily.
Helpline number 182 is operational for security-related assistance for passengers in distress.
Regular drives are conducted to prevent entry of male passengers in compartments reserved for ladies, and if found, they are prosecuted under the provisions of Railways Act.
Surveillance is through CCTV cameras, provided at about 344 stations, to ensure safety and security of passengers.
RPF holds regular coordination meetings with state police at all levels to ensure proper registration and investigation of crimes by GRP. Strengthening and upgradation of security infrastructure is an ongoing process.
A total of 344 railway stations have been provided with CCTVs. With a view to further strengthen security of the passengers, including women, 983 A1, A, B and C category railway stations have been nominated for installation of CCTVs with allocation of budget under Nirbhaya Fund. These have also been installed on a limited number of coaches of passenger and suburban trains on a pilot basis.
Sanction for provision of CCTV cameras in 500 coaches has been obtained under the Rolling Stock Programme 2015-16. Work has already been completed in about 25 passenger coaches and 32 suburban coaches, including ladies compartments, that have been commissioned in service.
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