VIJAYAWADA: In an attempt to boost security measures for female train passengers, the Vijayawada division of railway protection force (RPF) launched an initiative on Wednesday where the women security personnel would be required to carry public address systems. These electronic devices, comprising microphones, loudspeakers and amplifiers, would be used to alert passengers and prevent crimes on both platforms and trains.
Addressing a press conference here, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner SR Gandhi appealed to women passengers to use the 24-hour toll-free helpline 182 for security-related needs while on railway station premises or trains. The announcement through the public address systems would be made in Telugu, English and Hindi. The RPF personnel would also begin distribution of pamphlets with safety tips and the toll-free number to commuters.
Gandhi informed that RPF personnel rescued 47 minor girls and six women from trains in Vijayawada railway station in 2017. “We have sensitised our staff to approach minor girls travelling alone or distressed women and inform them about the Childline helpline and NGOs working for the cause.”
He added: “Many women carry expensive jewellery with them while travelling. The RPF personnel under Vijayawada division recovered Rs 48 lakh worth gold ornaments in 23 incidents in 2017 and handed them over to their owners.” Earlier, it was decided that an armed security personnel would be deployed in women coaches to prevent any untoward incident. However, it was found that many women passengers hesitated to inform the male RPF staff about their problems. Hence, the railway protection force has now decided to deploy female staff to interact with women and address their grievances. The official said that RPF women personnel were given feedback forms to fill inputs from the passengers about the issues they face while travelling.
Gandhi added: “In our understanding, numerous notorious gangs are active during summers who are planning robbery especially in midnight. In 2017, we made elaborate arrangements and deployed a RPF or government railway personnel in night trains. Special squads are also deployed near railway crossings. Instructions are given to the RPF personnel to deploy additional forces during marriage season.”