Railway Protection Force marks Raising Day on September 20

Indian Railways is regarded as the country's lifeline, carrying crores of passengers across lakhs of trains every day. Guarding such a vast network, protecting railway assets worth billions of rupees and assuring passengers of a safe journey is a challenging task. The Railway Protection Force, or RPF, which carries out this responsibility, marks its Raising Day across the country on September 20 every year. The day is a tribute to the selfless service and dedication of railway personnel.

A simple security force to protect railway property was first set up after Parliament passed the Railway Protection Force Act in 1957. As crime, theft and the need to secure passengers grew, the force needed greater powers and authority. On September 20, 1985, Parliament amended the law to give the RPF the status of an armed force of the central government, and this date is observed every year as RPF Raising Day. The RPF Act was amended again in 2003, giving the force powers to ensure passenger security, investigate offences and take direct action against accused persons.

On Raising Day, railway divisions and headquarters across the country hold parades, cultural programmes and security demonstrations. Personnel and officers who have done outstanding work are honoured with medals. Awareness campaigns are also run for passengers at stations, covering issues such as crossing tracks, boarding or alighting from moving trains, staying alert to unattended objects or suspicious people, and how to seek help in an emergency.

The RPF's work today goes beyond preventing crime to include a more sensitive, human approach. Under the Meri Saheli initiative, women travelling alone are assured of security throughout their journey. Under Operation Nanhe Farishte, children rescued from human trafficking or found at railway stations after running away from home are safely reunited with their parents. Under Operation Jeevan Raksha, RPF personnel risk their own lives to save passengers who slip and fall while boarding or alighting from moving trains. Operation Narcos, aimed at curbing drug trafficking, has also proved successful.

The RPF has adopted technology as well. Major railway stations now use integrated security systems, CCTV cameras with facial recognition, metal detectors and drone cameras. Passengers facing any security-related problem can lodge a complaint through the 139 helpline or the Rail Madad portal, after which RPF personnel reach the next station to help. With over 50,000 personnel deployed round the clock across the country, the RPF continues to make rail travel safer, allowing crores of passengers to travel by train every day without worry.