JOIN USThe three-digit helpline number will help train passengers seek security assistance during train journeys across the country.
"An all-India security helpline has been sanctioned in the budget 2010-11, which on implementation, shall be accessed by passengers round-the-clock from anywhere in the country for security related assistance in railway premises and during train journey,"
Minister of State for Railway E Ahamed said at the RPF investiture ceremony here today.
Networking of all RPF units and other modalities are being worked out to launch the helpline in the near future.
"Networking of security control rooms and important posts has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 4.41 crores for speedy collection and dissemination of crime related information," Ahamed said.
Expressing concern over railways becoming a soft target for sabotage and terrorism, he said, "Security of passengers is of paramount importance. We would like all the railway passengers of our country to travel fearlessly."
Highlighting the RPF's crucial role in ensuring smooth rail operations, the minister said, "RPF will have to play a vital role in coordination with other police forces and intelligence agencies to deter disruptive elements and ensure smooth, safe and secure movement of railways as well as passengers."
Railways are also planning to amend railway property law to empower RPF in dealing with passenger related offences.
"Necessary amendments in the Railway Property (unlawful possession) Act to further empower RPF officers to conduct enquiry on receipt of information and widen the ambit of its penal sections is under active consideration along with efforts to empower the RPF for dealing with passenger related offences," he said.
Thirty-eight RPF personnel, including three deployed at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) during the Mumbai terror attack on October 26, 2008, were felicitated at the investiture ceremony.