RailEnquiry

MUMBAI: As part of a pilot project, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has begun posting personnel inside a few women's compartments on Western Railway's suburban route after sunset. The deployment is being done in compartments other than those that already have escorts from the Government Railway Police (GRP). The move is expected to bolster security for women on local trains.

"Escorting has begun in 14 rakes as of now and we will coordinate with the GRP to ensure that manpower from neither of the agencies is exhausted. We are withdrawing manpower from a few long-distance trains escorted by the RPF and are diverting them to locals," said inspector general Mahim Swami, RPF (WR). The GRP presently escorts two 24-hour women's compartments between 8.30pm and 6.30am.

Apart from escorts, the RPF has formed two special task forces, which will be deputed after sunset to nab offenders from women's compartments. "This has been done because the escorts cannot get off the train after catching an offender. The task force will conduct surprise checks and look out for unauthorized male travellers as well as hawkers. Each task force comprises an assistant sub-inspector, two head constables and two women constables," Swami said.

The RPF intends to approach the railway board for more manpower, specifically for women's protection. Presently, the Mumbai division of the RPF (WR) has a sanctioned strength of 1,887 personnel, but an existing force of only 1,260; the shortfall is 33%. "We have asked for 300 home guards to be provided daily for patrolling and platform duties. But on an average, we get only 150 to 180 home guards a day," an RPF official said. "At least 10% of the vacancy in the zone needs to be filled up by women. The problem is we do not have enough women constables at present."

The railways have also been deliberating on various measures that can be taken to bolster women's security. A survey is being conducted to find out the number of women commuters who travel on train late in the night. If the number is found to be low, the authorities may reduce the number of women's coaches per train. "This is still a thought and nothing will be finalized till we study the figures in detail. To meet overall security requirements, we are also asking the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) to provide extra personnel," another RPF official said.