Considerable Decrease in cases of crime against women passengers reported over Indian Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi: Based on the data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) available upto 2022, there is considerable decrease in the cases of crime against women passengers reported over Indian Railways during the year 2022 as compared to the year 2019. This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

He told that ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and, therefore, State Governments are responsible for prevention, detection, registration and investigation of crime and maintenance of law and order on Railways through their law enforcement agencies viz. Government Railway Police (GRP)/District Police. Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of GRP/District Police to provide better protection and security to railway property, passenger area and passengers and for matters connected therewith.

He also told the steps that are being taken by the Railways in coordination with GRP for safety and security of women passengers in trains and at stations which includes:

• Surveillance is kept through CCTV cameras provided in a number of coaches & Railway Stations for enhanced security of passengers.
• On vulnerable and identified routes/sections, trains are escorted by Railway Protection Force in addition to trains escorted by Government Railway Police of different States daily.
• For immediate assistance passengers can make complaint on Rail Madad Portal directly or through Helpline Number 139 [integrated with Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) No.112].
• Railways are in regular touch with passengers through various social media platforms like twitter, facebook, koo etc. to enhance security of passengers and to address their security concern.
• Frequent announcements are made through Public Address System to educate passengers to take precautions against theft, snatching, drugging etc.
• Awareness campaigns are conducted in railway premises and in train through posters, banners, distribution of leaflets, videos on Railway Display Network (RDN) etc. on regular basis to educate passengers for taking necessary precautionary measures during their journey.

Under ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative, focused attention has been provided for safety and security of lady passengers travelling alone by long distance trains for their entire journey i.e. from originating station to destination station whereas Zonal railways have been instructed for deployment of proper combined strength of male & female RPF/RPSF personnel in train escort parties, to the extent possible. Drives are conducted against entry of male passengers into the compartments reserved for ladies.

NIRBHAYA fund allocations are made for strengthening the safety and security of women in the country. During the Financial year 2023-24, Rs 200 crore has been allotted under NIRBHAYA fund. Apart from this, all measures for safety and security of passengers are also applicable to women passengers.