✍ Author: Munawwar Khursheed
Inspector General, Railway Protection Force (RPF), South East Central Railway, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh)
March 8 is globally celebrated as International Women’s Day (IWD)—a day to honor the achievements of women and to reaffirm our commitment to their rights, safety, and dignity. In India, the fight for women’s rights has been deeply rooted in the freedom struggle and early feminist movements, led by icons like Sarojini Naidu and Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay.
Despite significant progress, women continue to face challenges related to security, equality, and social acceptance. These issues become even more pronounced when they step out of their homes, especially while traveling. Public transport, particularly trains, often exposes women to harassment, theft, and safety concerns. Acknowledging this, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has introduced multiple initiatives to ensure safer travel for women.
Challenges Faced by Women
Women in India continue to battle gender-based inequalities at various levels. Whether in education, employment, healthcare, or leadership, patriarchal norms still impose significant barriers.
Women in India earn 20-30% less than men for the same work. In rural areas, many girls drop out of school due to financial constraints and social stigma. The representation of women in leadership is also alarmingly low, with only 14% of parliamentarians being women.
Furthermore, the digital divide restricts women’s access to technology and information. Many rural women lack access to smartphones and the internet, limiting their opportunities for learning and growth.
In public spaces, women continue to encounter harassment, gender bias at workplaces, cyberbullying, and inadequate sanitation facilities. These challenges not only restrict their mobility but also hinder their social and economic participation.
Challenges of Train Travel for Women
For many women, train travel is far from a smooth experience. Overcrowded compartments often make them vulnerable to harassment, theft, and discomfort. The lack of clean and accessible restrooms further adds to their struggle.
Women traveling at night frequently face security concerns, questioning whether they will reach their destination safely. Despite safety measures, there are times when emergency assistance is delayed, leaving women vulnerable to threats.
RPF Initiatives for Women’s Safety
To tackle these challenges, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has launched several initiatives aimed at making train travel safer and more secure for women.
- “Meri Saheli” Initiative – This special initiative ensures the safety of women traveling alone. RPF women officers interact with female passengers during their journey and provide assistance and security.
- Shakti, Durga, and Devi Squads – Special teams have been deployed at railway stations and trains to prevent crimes against women. These squads conduct regular patrols and monitor suspicious activities.
- Operation Nanhe Farishte – This initiative focuses on rescuing missing and trafficked children at railway stations, providing them with safety and rehabilitation.
- Nirbhaya Fund Projects – To enhance security, CCTV cameras and panic buttons are being installed in trains and railway stations, ensuring that women receive immediate assistance in emergencies.
- 139 Railway Helpline – A 24×7 emergency helpline for passengers to report safety concerns and seek help instantly.
- Akshita Safe Bubble – Dedicated safe waiting areas have been set up at railway stations for women to wait for their trains without any safety concerns.
- Operation Matru Shakti – A special initiative to assist pregnant women during their train journeys. In 2024, 174 childbirths were assisted under this program.
- Operation Jeevan Raksha – A life-saving initiative focused on preventing suicide attempts and accidents on railway tracks. In January 2024 alone, 3,384 lives were saved.
- Operation Dignity – This mission is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating mentally challenged and homeless individuals found at railway stations. In 2024, 4,047 individuals, including 1,607 women, were rescued.
International Women’s Day is not just a day to celebrate women’s achievements, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges they continue to face and work towards resolving them.
The efforts of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have significantly improved the safety of women passengers, yet there is still much to be done. Real security does not come only from policies and laws, but from changing societal attitudes as well.
Every woman deserves the freedom to travel fearlessly, reach her destination safely, and pursue her dreams with confidence. When we ensure women’s safety, dignity, and equality, we take a major step toward building a stronger and more empowered India.
🎗️ “Women’s safety and independence – the true identity of an empowered India!” 🎗️
✍ Author Profile
Munawwar Khursheed: Inspector General, Railway Protection Force (RPF), South East Central Railway, Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh)
🔹 Extensive experience in railway security and women passenger safety.
🔹 Active contribution to various RPF initiatives and safety reforms.