Railways to launch special safety app for women passengers

New Delhi, Nov 3: To curb crimes against women travelers, Railways today said an all-India mobile application service will be launched through which immediate help from the Railway Protection Force could be availed.

"Some zonal railways such as Western Railway have launched mobile application for providing security to women passengers besides installing CCTV in trains," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said at the RPF Investiture Parade ceremony here.

The App, a security and safety measure, is being developed in coordination with RPF. Since railways is the soft target from unscrupulous elements and divisive forces, there will be a strategic cell for RPF to tackle the growing threat from such elements, a senior official said.

"In order to assess the threat perception, RPF needs a strategic cell. We need a change in the system and for this adequate funds will be provided to RPF," Prabhu said. Focusing the need for technology upgradation, he said, "sometime there are attempts to obstruct the economic development by obstructing the rail movement.

There is a requirement for technology upgradation and training of RPF personnel to prevent such incidents." Dwelling on the menace of without ticket travel in trains, Prabhu said, "there will be a massive drive against the without ticket travelers.

A drive has already been launched against the touts involved in cornering tickets in illegal way." Stressing the need for coordination with the state police, Railway Minister said he has written letters to all Chief Ministers requesting cooperation from states on the subject.

"RPF along with GRP will also work to prevent theft in railways and there is a need for coordination with the state police to prevent theft in railways. "I have written to all CMs for better coordination with the state police to check crime in trains effectively. There is a requirement of seamless policing for effective control of crime," he said.

PTI