On October 29, 2020 Indian Railways launched the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative to ensure safety of women passengers on trains across all zones. Under the initiative, women passengers will be provided safety and security during their entire journey, i.e., from originating station till destination station. Meri Saheli is an initiative of Railway Protection Force (RPF).
- The initiative will also provide them mental peace and a comfortable & happy travelling experience.
- It is to be noted that each Railway Division has formed a team for visiting the lady passengers-for their security and safety.
Gist about ‘Meri Saheli’ Initiative
General Info
Under the initiative a team of young lady RPF personnel will visit all the passenger coaches including ladies coaches to identify women passengers.
Details will be noted down
The team will note down the details of the women passengers namely coach number & seat number, particularly if a lady is travelling alone in the train.
Helpline Numbers
The lady passengers will be briefed about RPF Security Helpline number- 182, Government Railway Police(GRP) Security Helpline number- 1512 and other precautions to be taken during the journey by the team.
Other Safety Measures
i.The RPF Team conveys them on the stoppages en-route.
ii.When the need arises, platform duty RPF personnel at the stopping stations en-route monitor the concerned coaches and berths and interact with the lady passengers.
iii.RPF/Railway Protection Special Force(RPSF) escort onboard includes all coaches/identified berths during its duty period.
Feedback
Feedback will be collected by the RPF teams at the destination from the identified lady passengers.
Note
- Initially, Hubballi Division introduced the initiative in four pairs of trains.
- It also created an email ID([email protected]) and mobile number(7022626987) for the security assistance of female passengers.
Key Info
i.In September 2020, The ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative was started as a pilot project in the South Eastern Railway.
ii.On getting a positive response was extended to all zones and Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL), with effect from 17th October 2020.
iii.It was primarily introduced in two trains by the Western Railway zone.
iv.The Central Railway RPF started this programme in 24 special trains.
Recent Related News:
Indian Railways introduces Drone based surveillance technologies which has emerged as an important and cost effective tool for security surveillance over a large area with limited manpower.
About Railway Protection Force(RPF):
RPF was established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957. It functions under the Ministry of Railways, Govt of India.
Director General– Arun Kumar, IPS
