Lok Sabha Question No. 2421 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-30
Subject: Strengthening RPF
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: BHOLA SINGH, R. PARTHIPAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2421 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.11.2016

## STRENGTHENING RPF

2421. DR. BHOLA SINGH: SHRI R. PARTHIPAN:

Will  the  Minister  of  RAILWAYS be pleased to refer to USQ no.1760 dated 04.05.2016 and state:

- (a) whether the Railways has considered the proposal for amendment in the RPF Act, 1957 with a view to empowering RPF to deal with the passenger related offences;
- (b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
- (c)  the  time  by  which  a  final  decision  is  likely  to  be  taken  in  the matter; and
- (d)  the  steps  taken by the Railways to ensure that the passengers
- travelling in trains are safe with their belongings?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS

## (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) & (b): A proposal for amendment in the Railway Protection Force (RPF)  Act,  1957,  to  empower  RPF  to  deal  with  passengers  related offences  in  the  passenger  area,  was  moved  by  the  Ministry  of Railways  with  the  concurrence  and  approval  of  Ministries  of  Law and  Justice  and  Home  Affairs.  The  proposal  was  forwarded  to Cabinet Secretariat for consideration. However, Cabinet Secretariat advised for comments of States on the above proposal. Accordingly, comments  were  solicited  from  respective  States  on  the  above proposal.

Comments have so far been received from 27 States. 19 States/Union Territories (UTs) have opposed the move to amend the RPF  Act,  07  States/UTs  have  given  their  consent,  01  UT  has  not offered any comment and reply is yet to be received from 04 States. However, Ministry of Home Affairs has now conveyed that they do not support the proposal for amendment in the RPF Act.

(c): Since  most  of  the States are opposing  the  proposal  for amendment in the RPF Act and in the light of  the communication received  from  the  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs,  the  matter  is  being further considered in the Ministry of Railways and a final decision will be taken in due course.

(d): It is pertinent to mention that prevention of crime, registration of cases, their investigation and maintenance of law and order over Railways  is  the  statutory  responsibility  of  States,  which  is  being discharged  by  them  through  Government  Railway  Police  (GRP). Since  RPF  do  not  have  requisite  legal  powers  for  investigation  of crime  against  passengers  and  their  belongings,  Railways  have  to depend  upon  GRP  for  investigation  of  passenger  related  offences. However, RPF supplement efforts of GRP for security of passengers and passenger area.

Following steps are being taken by the Railways to ensure security of passengers and their belongings-

1.  On  vulnerable  and  identified  routes/sections, 2500 trains (on an average)  are  escorted  by  RPF  daily,  in  addition  to  2200  trains escorted by GRPs of different States daily;
2.  Security  Help  Line  number  182 is  made  operational  over  Indian Railways for security related assistance to passengers in distress;

3.  Surveillance  is  kept  through  CCTV  cameras,  provided  at  344 stations  over  Indian  Railways,  to  ensure  safety  and  security  of passengers; 4.  Joint  drives  by  Commercial Department and RPF are conducted from time to time against the entry of unauthorized persons in trains and railway premises. 5. The ladies special trains running in Metropolitan cities are being escorted by lady RPF constables. 6.  Regular coordination is made by RPF with the State Police/GRP authorities  at  all  levels  to  ensure  security  in  Railway  premises  as well as on running trains.

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