Title - Call 9731666725, get rid of 'train-trouble'

BANGALORE: Facing trouble in a running train? Help is just a call or SMS away -- the women's helpline 9731666725 works 24/7. Just mention the train name, number, bogie number and nature of the complaint.

The helpline, which began operating early this year, is dedicated to South Western Railway in Karnataka. But very few commuters are aware of the number, and railway authorities are doing their best to spread the message to all passengers of the state.

Divisional railway manager (DRM), South Western Railway, Anil Kumar Agarwal said they've displayed the helpline number across railway stations in Karnataka. "It was launched nearly six months ago. We've received more than 100 calls on eve-teasing and other harassment. We act as soon as we receive the complaint. The Railway Protection Force attends to the problem at the next station," he said.

SP SN Sidramappa said police equipped with rifles are sent into some bogies, particularly at night. "The police personnel visit all the bogies. A police chowki manned by two policemen is active outside Bangalore City railway station. Very soon, we'll start similar counters in other railway stations," he said.

A second line

Railway authorities also introduced a helpline for Southern Railway commuters -- 090031617110. Those using a landline can dial 044-90031617110.

"The security control of Southern Railway, located in Chennai, will receive the call and act accordingly. Most often, women call us with complaints of eve-teasing and physical harassment in running trains," a security personnel said.

When youth pushed out gutsy girl

On July 25, 2012, a 19-year-old girl was seriously injured when she was pushed out of a running train by four men, after she resisted their attempts to molest her. The horror unfolded in the Yeshwantpur-Mysore Express. She was pushed out when the train reached Maddur, and fell 25 feet below on the dry bed of the river Shimsha. She was hospitalized for several weeks.

Crimes on board — South Western Railway*

Robberies

2011 - 31

2012 - 47

2013 - 35

Dacoities

2011 - 05

2012 - 03

2013 - 01

Thefts

2011 - 500

2012 - 480

2013 - 350

(* Till July)

(Source: Southern Railways)