In a bid to enhance passenger safety, particularly for women and children, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Pune Division has ramped up its efforts under the leadership of Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Priyanka Sharma. With a dedicated workforce of over 650 personnel, including 73 Maharashtra Security Forces staff, the RPF is ensuring round-the-clock security at stations, on running trains, in yards, and across railway premises.
One of the key initiatives highlighted by Sharma is the Tejaswini Squad, a special team focused on ensuring the safety of women and children on local, short-distance, and suburban trains. This squad is now connected to Rail Madad, allowing for real-time complaint resolution and prompt responses. Comprising one female ASI, three female personnel, and one male personnel, the squad is responsible for handling cases of unauthorized passengers in ladies’ compartments, addressing eve-teasing complaints, identifying children in distress, and taking action against unauthorized hawkers.
Another important initiative is the Meri Saheli program, which aims to provide a safer journey for solo female passengers on long-distance trains. Through this initiative, the team identifies solo travelers, counsels them on safety measures, provides assistance numbers, and informs station authorities en route, ensuring their safety until they reach their destination.
The RPF’s Operation Nanhe Faristey has been successful in rescuing over 300 children in Pune Division in 2024. This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Mission Vatsalya, focusing on child rights, awareness, and strengthening the juvenile justice care and protection system.
In a move towards technology-driven safety measures, Facial Recognition System (FRS) Cameras will be installed at Pune Station and Miraj Station in April 2025. These cameras will help identify criminals, violators, missing persons, and children by leveraging data from various departments. Additionally, the RPF Pune Division is in talks with governing bodies to take action against begging rackets under the Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959, with a special drive planned to curb this issue as per SOP.
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