Female RPF personnel to carry chilli spray cans to handle challenges

New Delhi: To tackle challenging situations swiftly, the Indian Railways has decided to equip women personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) with chilli spray cans.

"By providing chilli spray cans, women RPF personnel will have an additional layer of security, allowing them to deter threats, respond to incidents of harassment and handle emergencies effectively - especially in sensitive areas like isolated stations, running trains and remote railway locations where immediate backup might not be available," the railways said in a statement.

The non-lethal yet effective tool will help women RPF personnel while performing their duties especially safeguarding female passengers travelling alone or with children to ensure their safer train journeys.

"The role of women RPF personnel extends far beyond security. They frequently assist female passengers in distress, including expectant mothers who go into labour (pains) during train journeys," it said.

"The initiative aligns with the prime minister's vision of empowering women and ensuring safer public spaces. Indian Railways has consistently introduced several measures to improve the travel experience for women passengers" RPF Director General (DG) Manoj Yadav said.

"Our women RPF personnel stand as symbols of strength, care and resilience. By equipping them with chilli spray cans, we are enhancing their confidence and operational capability, while sending a clear message that passenger safety -- especially the safety of women -- is our highest priority," the RPF DG said.

The railways also claimed that the RPF has the highest proportion of women (9 per cent) among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).

"Many of these women RPF personnel are part of the 'Meri Saheli' teams, whose core responsibility is to ensure a safe journey for women travellers.

Over 250 'Meri Saheli' teams interact with nearly 12,900 female passengers daily, offering both security and reassurance," the press note said.

Under 'Operation Matrishakti', women RPF personnel have helped 174 women safely give birth on-board trains in 2024 alone, ensuring privacy, dignity and timely medical aid, the ministry said.