SER RPF launches multiple initiatives to enhance passenger safety and security

Mail News Service

Kolkata: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of South Eastern Railway (SER) has been playing an essential role in ensuring the safety of rail passengers and safeguarding railway property. With a focus on enhancing security, the force has launched several initiatives aimed at addressing various issues such as human trafficking, passenger safety, and crime prevention. Among the notable operations are “Operation Dignity,” “Mission Jeevan Raksha,” “Operation Amanat,” “Mission Yatri Suraksha,” and “Operation NARCOS,” each aimed at addressing specific concerns.

Operation “Dignity” was launched to rescue adults in need of care and protection. The RPF successfully rescued 189 adults in 2023 and 154 adults in 2024 (up to October). Mission “Jeevan Raksha” aims at saving the lives of passengers, and the force saved 54 passengers in 2023 and 39 passengers in 2024 (up to October) by putting their own lives at risk. In another initiative, Operation “Amanat” focuses on retrieving lost luggage of passengers. In 2023, RPF recovered and returned 1,935 items, and in 2024 (up to October), 1,479 items were returned to their rightful owners.

Mission “Yatri Suraksha” is dedicated to the prevention and detection of passenger crimes and providing emergency response. Under this initiative, 182 crimes were detected in 2023, leading to the arrest of 217 criminals, while in 2024 (up to October), 177 crimes were detected, and 207 criminals were arrested. Operation “NARCOS” targets narcotics smuggling. In 2023, the RPF arrested 127 criminals and seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances worth ₹1.81 crore. In 2024 (up to October), 128 criminals were arrested, and narcotics worth ₹2.92 crore were seized.

The RPF also conducted drives under the Railway Act to clear railway areas of antisocial elements. In 2023, 42,214 offenders were arrested and prosecuted, and in 2024 (up to October), 54,737 offenders faced similar action. Operation “Samay Palan” was launched to curb alarm chain pulling and ensure punctuality in train services. In 2023, 1,665 persons were arrested for unauthorized alarm chain pulling, and in 2024 (up to October), 1,744 arrests were made. Lastly, Operation “Jan Jagaran” is a public awareness initiative aimed at educating the public on safety and security issues such as crossing level crossings, avoiding drugging, preventing stone-pelting, and other safety measures at stations and surrounding areas.