1. With Diwali and Chhath Puja nearing, RPF strengthens safety across India’s railways for peak travel.
2. RPF anticipates a surge in passengers and has launched a safety campaign to ensure secure journeys.
3. The campaign, active since October 15, 2024, aims to deliver an incident-free festive season.
Guwahati, Oct 31: As Diwali and Chhath Puja approach, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is enhancing safety measures across India’s railway network to ensure a secure journey for millions of travelers during this peak season.
Anticipating a surge in passenger numbers, the RPF launched an intensive safety campaign on October 15, 2024, aiming for an incident-free festive season.
To mitigate fire risks and other hazards, the RPF is conducting thorough luggage inspections, scrutinizing parcels, and clamping down on unsafe practices, such as portable stoves used by vendors.
The campaign includes public awareness efforts, with RPF personnel distributing safety leaflets, displaying posters, organizing street plays, and sharing safety messages through social, print, and electronic media.
The initiative has already resulted in 56 bookings under the Railway Act for hazardous materials and penalties for over 550 passengers smoking on trains.
Additionally, 2,414 individuals have faced action under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) as part of this effort to enforce railway safety.
Passengers are advised to:
- Report any suspicious items or activities, especially flammable objects or firecrackers, to RPF/GRP staff.
- Keep valuables secure, limit baggage, and prefer digital transactions.
- Ensure children are supervised, stay alert to station announcements, and follow instructions from railway staff.
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Key Security Measures:
- Increased CCTV surveillance at major stations.
- Heightened RPF patrolling on trains and platforms.
- Collaboration with Government Railway Police (GRP) for enhanced crime prevention.
- Rigorous checks on passenger belongings and luggage.
Travelers can report safety concerns via the Rail Madad portal, mobile app, or the helpline number 139.
“Diwali and Chhath Puja are times of joy, and ensuring passenger safety is our top priority,” stated Manoj Yadav, Director General of RPF. “We urge all passengers to stay vigilant and help make this festive journey safe for all.”