JOIN USSeveral security measures have been announced in Thursday’s Railway Budget to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women.
The Railway Ministry plans to instal surveillance cameras in selected mainline coaches and ladies’ compartments of suburban coaches for women’s safety without compromising on privacy.
“Railways would utilise resources from the Nirbhaya Fund for augmenting security of our women passengers,” Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said. Another suggested safety measure is to reserve middle berths of coaches for women and senior citizens.
Prabhu also announced the setting up of the 138 helpline, which would be operational across India 24x7, to address grievances of passengers on a real-time basis.
“Passengers will be able to call up for complaints while on trains. A mobile application to redress Railway-related complaints is also being developed. We intend to start this facility on a pilot project basis in the Northern Railways from March 1. Based on the experience gained and the feedback received from passengers, this will be extended to all Railways soon thereafter,” the minister said.
Further, he also announced another dedicated toll-free number, 182, to receive security-related complaints.