Railway Protection Force of WR display exemplary performance in 2020-21

RPF jawans transform into superheroes to face toughest challenges in Covid 19

During Coronavirus pandemic Western Railway shows great courage and break barriers in the field of security. Alok Kansal General Manager of Western Railway has appreciated the efforts made by RPF for their marvelous achievements despite the challenging situations.

According to a press release issued by Sumit Thakur – Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, this year has been an eventful one and various departments played major role beyond their limits in the fight against the deadly virus. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Western Railway under the able leadership of P.C. Sinha – Principal Chief Security Commissioner, has shown exceptional work during the Coronavirus Lockdown.

During the year 2020-21, while the nation passed through an unprecedented national lockdown, WR’s RPF staff worked tirelessly round the clock at the frontline to protect vital railway assets, providing security to the movement of essential commodities and without fearing for their own safety. The RPF also served 3,43,108 food packets and provided other necessary assistance to needy and poor people in areas surrounding railway stations. The Force worked as a bridge between railway and state administration to ensure smooth running of freight operations and escorting of 1332 Shramik Special trains.

Thakur stated that with the resumption of train services since June2020, RPF staff exhibited remarkable commitment to securing the railway system and its passengers by tackling the menace of e-ticket touting. Special emphasis was given to prosecute touting elements and those selling/using illegal tickets booking software under section 143 of the Railways Act. During this period, 752 touts have been arrested which is 8.83% more than previous year and forfeiture of future journey tickets worth Rs. 53,89,054/-.

In a notable success, based on lead received from Rly Board, an E-ticket touting racket involving use of illegal Real Mango software has been busted at Surat in Mumbai Division as a result of which a total of 46 cases registered and 48 persons have been arrested.

RPF WR has started “Meri Saheli” initiative to provide safety and security to women passengers during their entire journey. Under the initiative, a team of lady officer and staff have been formed. The team will visit all of the passenger coaches including ladies coaches to identify women passengers. Details of their journey like, coach number & seat number will be noted down by the team, especially if a lady is travelling alone in the train. This has been implemented in 7 trains. 52 women & 230 Runway children were rescued by reuniting them with parents or handed over to NGOs/Police by RPF/WR.

Total 20 illegal software detected by RPF WR by analysing the data through PRABAL & registered 344 cases with arrest of 351 and seizure of total 6375 tickets. 2050 IDs were blocked. QR code-based E patrolling and Beat Management System implemented on MMCT division to ensure systematic coverage of duty beats of the entire division for effective supervision & real time monitoring of staff on duty.

QR Code based e-Pass system was developed in coordination with Central Railway, Maharashtra Police & MCGM in record time of one month for the first time in Indian Railways by Mumbai Central division during COVID time. This system was widely appreciated for regulating the access of essential services staff in Mumbai Suburban trains. Making rapid strides in the use of IT tools and up skilling of force personnel, Cyber Cell has been setup at WR Headquarter, CCG. This unit has been instrumental in detection of 297 cases of E-ticket touting use of illegal ticket booking software which is 197% more than previous year.

A unique anti-trespassing campaign named Operation ‘Yamraj’ to spread awareness amongst Mumbaikars against the dangerous and fatal social evil of crossing the railway tracks. the campaign was conducted to sensitize public and make them aware against trespassing. It was organised at vulnerable locations in suburban section such as Bandra, Andheri, Ram Mandir, Malad and Borivali stations. An RPF staff dressed as Yamraj sensitized people on platforms as well as the slum dwellers nearby to the railway tracks to avoid the practice of trespassing which is dangerous to their own lives. This campaign aims to instill a sense of psychological fear among trespassers.

Some Other Major Achievements by RPF in 2020-21 are:

• Life of 16 passengers were saved by alert RPF at various station of Western Railway, endangering their own safety.

• 70 cases have been registered and 88 persons involved in passenger crimes like theft and robbery have been apprehended by RPF and handed over to GRP.

• Out of 70 cases, 19 cases have been detected with the help of active and alert CCTV monitoring.

• 28.521 kg Ganja worth Rs 11,60,100/- was seized with arrest 05 persons and 01 person arrested with 266 (no.) drugs value Rs 61,400/-.

• 156 cases of carrying illicit liquor were detected by RPF with recovery of 14,0332 bottles V/Rs. 12,03,294 /- and arrested 150 offenders in Gujarat section of WR.

• 457 items of passengers’ leftover belongings valued Rs.75,92,457/- were returned by RPF to the owners.

• 8394 unauthorized vendors have been arrested in penal provision of section 144 of the Railways Act with fine realization of Rs. 23,41,480/-.

• 23,117 offenders have been arrested under various sections of Railway Act, 1989 with the realization of fine to the tune of Rs. 69,16,790/-