Railway Protection Force

Railway Protection Force

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been constituted under the RPF Act 1957 for better protection and security of railway property, passenger areas, passengers and matters connected therewith. RPF functions under the Ministry of Railways and administrative set-up of RPF is as per the administrative set-up of the Indian Railways. Twelve (12) Battalions of “Railway Protection Special Force” (RPSF) are also located in different parts of the country for further strengthening of railway security. Separate specialized intelligence i.e. Special Intelligence Branch (SIB) and Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) as well as Dog Squad also function from Divisional as well as Zonal Railways for collection of special and criminal intelligence.

RPF is empowered under the ‘Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966’ to deal with theft, dishonest misappropriation and unlawful possession of railway property. During the year 2013, a total of 5591 cases were registered under the RP(UP) Act with arrest of 6693 persons and recovery of stolen railway property worth Rs. 42.15 crore. RPF is also empowered under the Railways Act 1989 to deal with offences related to roof traveling, touting, unauthorized entry into coaches earmarked for ladies, unauthorized vending, trespass etc. During the year 2013, a total of 19.07 lakh persons were prosecuted under the provisions of the Railways Act with recovery of fi ne to the tune of Rs. 49.85 Cr.

Policing on the Railways is the statutory responsibility of States which is discharged through the Government Railway Police (GRP), which functions in respective States for registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law & order within railway premises as well as running trains. 50% of the expenditure on GRPs is shared by the Railways with respective States.

Upgradation of security infrastructure has been identifi ed as one of the priority areas by Railways to supplement efforts of States for better security of passengers. Implementation of Integrated Security System, networking of RPF Posts and Security Control Rooms, setting up of Security Helpline, filling up of vacancies etc. are some of the important steps taken in the recent past for strengthening of railway security.

Measures initiated by RPF for security of passengers and passenger area include escorting of trains including ladies compartments of suburban trains, access control at important railway stations, vigil on station platforms, yards and circulating areas against antisocial elements, surveillance through CCTV cameras, detection of passenger related crime and arrest of criminals who are handed over to GRP for further legal action.

RPF/RPSF personnel have been deployed in vulnerable sections to ensure smooth transportation of goods and passengers and to secure Railways during public agitations etc. Liaison/coordination is maintained with GRP/State Police/ Central Intelligence Agencies to strengthen railway security.

A Security Control Room functions round the clock in Rail Bhavan, New Delhi. In case of any emergency, the important telephone numbers are given below:

Courtesy: Indian Railway

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