RPF Team Takes Strides for Women’s Safety in Delhi Half Marathon 2023

In a remarkable show of commitment to women’s safety on trains, a dedicated 25-member team from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) took part in the Delhi Half Marathon 2023. This initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the various measures undertaken by the RPF to ensure secure and safe travel for women on the Indian Railways network, with a special focus on the “Meri Saheli” initiative.

India’s vision for development strongly emphasizes the empowerment and safety of women in public spaces, particularly in extensive public transport networks. As railways serve as a primary mode of public transport, ensuring the safety of women travelers on trains is a vital component of India’s holistic progress.

Operating under the Ministry of Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been tirelessly working to enhance the safety of women passengers. The “Meri Saheli” teams, operating across the vast railway network, have been providing assistance and security to countless women traveling alone on long-distance trains. Women RPF personnel work in tandem with their male counterparts to ensure the safety of women both on trains and within railway premises.

In 2023, RPF personnel exhibited exceptional performance, rescuing 862 women from precarious situations near moving trains. Under “Operation Nanhe Farishte,” they also rescued 2,898 unaccompanied girls who were at risk in stations and trains, safeguarding them from potential harm. Furthermore, they rescued 51 minor girls and 6 women from the clutches of human traffickers.

RPF’s women personnel have played a crucial role in assisting 130 mothers who went into labor during train journeys, ensuring their privacy and dignity. With a response to over 185,000 helpline calls, RPF personnel have been swift in resolving passenger concerns, particularly those impacting women in distress, including the destitute, the unwell, the elderly, and the specially-abled.

To foster public awareness and gain cooperation, the RPF team participated in the Delhi Half Marathon on October 15, 2023. Comprising a 25-member strong team representing diverse regions of India and various ranks, from the Director General to Constables, this team exemplified the pan-Indian character of the RPF. Notably, four women RPF personnel from Punjab, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, serving as representatives of RPF Narishakti, were part of the team.

Throughout the marathon route, RPF personnel engaged with the public, displayed banners, and distributed pamphlets to underscore the importance of women’s safety on railways. They sought support from all stakeholders to strengthen this noble cause, ensuring that women’s journeys on Indian Railways remain secure and free from harm.