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23-Feb-2023: “Jaipur Declaration” adopted at the 18th World Security Congress jointly organized by Railway Protection Force and UIC

The 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force(RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded today with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration by the attendees. The conference brought together experts, stakeholders, and delegates from around the world to discuss the latest developments and best practices in railway security, focusing on the theme of "Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future."

The “Jaipur declaration” outlined an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that can help global Railway organizations achieve their long-term goal of safety and security. The declaration highlighted the commitment of UIC to work towards providing a more safe and secure rail network across the globe, by also fully activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.

Fact: Operation Nanhe Farishte-  for rescue of children and Operation AAHT for rescuing women and children from the clutches of traffickers.

20-Feb-2023: 18th World Security Congress

The 18th World Security Congress is being organized by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Jaipur from February 21-23, 2023.

The RPF is India's primary security and law enforcement agency for railway security. The theme of the congress is "Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future". It will be attended by security heads of railway organizations from around the world, as well as UIC officials, partner international organizations, Indian Railways, RPF, and senior police officials of India.

The Congress will focus on practical solutions for railway security challenges, and is divided into four sessions covering critical assets and freight, human security approach, best security tools and practices, and vision 2030. RPF previously hosted the International UIC World Security Congress in New Delhi in 2006 and 2015, and its Director General, Shri Sanjay Chander IPS, is the Chairman of the International UIC Security Platform until July 2024.

Background:

International Union of Railways (UIC)

  • International Union of Railways (UIC) promotes standardization and interoperability of rail transport worldwide.
  • UIC supports members in new business and activities while improving technical and environmental performance to reduce costs.
  • UIC negotiates with global governments and security scenarios to promote cooperation and sharing of best practices among railway sectors.
  • UIC Security Platform formulates analyses and policy positions for the security of persons, property, and installations in the rail sector.
  • The Security Platform organizes international events to promote the exchange of information and experiences among Security Directors of UIC members.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

  • Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the prime security and law enforcement agency for railway security in India.
  • RPF was established in 1957 for the protection and security of railway property and has evolved to include passenger security and facilitation.
  • RPF is adapting to changing security needs and equipping itself with skills and resources to implement innovative solutions.
  • RPF has the largest share of women (9%) in its ranks and is launching several operations to enhance passenger security and facilitation.

UIC and RPF are working to promote security and cooperation in the railway sector. Railway security is becoming increasingly important with changing global security threats. UIC and RPF are adapting to changing needs and equipping themselves with skills and resources to provide the best possible services to railway customers.

Pin It
Whatsapp

23-Feb-2023: “Jaipur Declaration” adopted at the 18th World Security Congress jointly organized by Railway Protection Force and UIC

The 18th UIC World Security Congress, jointly organized by Railway Protection Force(RPF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), concluded today with the adoption of the Jaipur Declaration by the attendees. The conference brought together experts, stakeholders, and delegates from around the world to discuss the latest developments and best practices in railway security, focusing on the theme of "Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future."

The “Jaipur declaration” outlined an actionable agenda for UIC to explore innovative approaches that can help global Railway organizations achieve their long-term goal of safety and security. The declaration highlighted the commitment of UIC to work towards providing a more safe and secure rail network across the globe, by also fully activating the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and African regional assemblies by 2025.

Fact: Operation Nanhe Farishte-  for rescue of children and Operation AAHT for rescuing women and children from the clutches of traffickers.

20-Feb-2023: 18th World Security Congress

The 18th World Security Congress is being organized by the International Union of Railways (UIC) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Jaipur from February 21-23, 2023.

The RPF is India's primary security and law enforcement agency for railway security. The theme of the congress is "Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future". It will be attended by security heads of railway organizations from around the world, as well as UIC officials, partner international organizations, Indian Railways, RPF, and senior police officials of India.

The Congress will focus on practical solutions for railway security challenges, and is divided into four sessions covering critical assets and freight, human security approach, best security tools and practices, and vision 2030. RPF previously hosted the International UIC World Security Congress in New Delhi in 2006 and 2015, and its Director General, Shri Sanjay Chander IPS, is the Chairman of the International UIC Security Platform until July 2024.

Background:

International Union of Railways (UIC)

  • International Union of Railways (UIC) promotes standardization and interoperability of rail transport worldwide.
  • UIC supports members in new business and activities while improving technical and environmental performance to reduce costs.
  • UIC negotiates with global governments and security scenarios to promote cooperation and sharing of best practices among railway sectors.
  • UIC Security Platform formulates analyses and policy positions for the security of persons, property, and installations in the rail sector.
  • The Security Platform organizes international events to promote the exchange of information and experiences among Security Directors of UIC members.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

  • Railway Protection Force (RPF) is the prime security and law enforcement agency for railway security in India.
  • RPF was established in 1957 for the protection and security of railway property and has evolved to include passenger security and facilitation.
  • RPF is adapting to changing security needs and equipping itself with skills and resources to implement innovative solutions.
  • RPF has the largest share of women (9%) in its ranks and is launching several operations to enhance passenger security and facilitation.

UIC and RPF are working to promote security and cooperation in the railway sector. Railway security is becoming increasingly important with changing global security threats. UIC and RPF are adapting to changing needs and equipping themselves with skills and resources to provide the best possible services to railway customers.

2022

20-Sep-2022: Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 38th Raising Day

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 38th Raising Day on 20th September 2022 by organizing a parade for the first time at the central level at Jag Jeewan Ram RPF Academy, Lucknow. This is the first time that a National Level Parade of RPF was organized outside New Delhi. The choice of venue at the Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy at Lucknow – the Centralized Training Institute of RPF and the alma mater of the officers of the Force recruited through the civil service exam, assumes notable significance.

The Union Minister of State for Railways and Textiles, Smt. Darshana Vikram Jardosh, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute of the Parade. The programme was attended by Shri Brij Lal, MP, Rajya Sabha, senior officers of Central Armed Police Forces, State Police, various Government Departments, Railways and other dignitaries.

The Minister of State for Railways presented the 'President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service', ‘Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Service’, ‘Sarvottam Jeevan Raksha Padak’, ‘Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak’ and ‘ Jeevan Raksha Padak’ to 23 RPF personnel, including award of Sarwottam Jeewan Raksha Padak posthumously to Late Shri Gyan Chand, Head Constable RPF NCR who laid down his life at the altar of duty while saving a lady who had jumped in front of a moving train with intention to commit suicide. The force remembered Shri Gyan Chand with tearful eyes and chest swelling with pride.

The Chief Guest inaugurated and hoisted a 100 feet high Monumental National Flag at the Academy Campus and unveiled and dedicated the installation of a Railway Coach with Engine for train intervention training. The renovated main-hall of the Academy, which has now been air-conditioned was also inaugurated by the Minister. A Special “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” Edition of the "Rail Sainik”, the quarterly e-magazine of RPF was released on the occasion.

The Minister of State for Railways praised the poise, turnout and march of the contingent. In her speech, she appreciated the role of RPF in ensuring safe travel for women passengers. She heaped fulsome praise on Meri Saheli teams for providing security to women traveling alone in long distance trains. She outlined the prominent role of training and skill up gradation in improving the performance of any organization and announced sanction of Rs 55 Crores for enhancing training facilities in RPF.

Smt. Jardosh also announced setting up of a skill up-gradation training centre in the premises of 3rd Battalion RPSF, Lucknow for up-gradation of skills of family members of RPF personnel, especially ladies at the cost of Rs 3 Crores. Further, she announced construction of rest shelters cum mobilization halls for lady RPF train escorting personnel at 75 locations across the country.

The Director General, RPF, Shri Sanjay Chander, welcomed the Minister and outlined the various new initiatives taken by the force to provide a safe and secure train travel to the passengers. He stated that the RPF is making use of technology in various spheres of its working to ensure an optimal utilization of the manpower. The force has been on the forefront in providing assistance to the needy passengers, the elderly and the children. The RPF has been doing commendable work in preventing Human Trafficking, Transport of Narcotics, Hawala Money, Prohibited Wildlife and other illegal activities on trains and stations. He pointed out that we have entered the Amrit Kaal which would last till 2047 during which we have to work with our heart and soul to take India to the pinnacle of glory that she deserves. The vision 2047 is the roadmap towards such a lofty ideal. He mentioned the vision 2047 of the force which will include innovation, use of technology, optimum utilization of resource to increase the response, reach and effectiveness of the force. He underlined that the goal of the force is Sewa Hi Sankalp and all members of the force, from Constable to DG, have to work towards reinforcing its service commitment.

The Railway Protection Force was constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1957 for providing security to Railway property. Subsequently, the force was empowered to enquire, arrest and prosecute the offenders involved in unlawful possession of railway property in 1966. Over the years, it was felt that the force needed to be given the status of "An Armed Force of the Union" and finally the status was bestowed upon the force on 20th September 1985 by amending the RPF Act by the Parliament. Therefore, 20th September is celebrated every year as the Raising Day of RPF by members of the force and their families. 

The Raising Day is an important milestone in the growth of a force and celebrated with festive spirit by members of the force where they share their happiness with the public and reaffirm their commitment to serve them and work for the overall public good.

Earlier the Raising day was celebrated by organizing parades and other functions at the zonal, divisional and battalion levels. However, from this year it has been decided to organize only one parade at the central level to symbolize the national character of the force.

6-May-2022: Railway Protection Force (RPF) signs MoU with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for a trafficking free nation

Railway Protection Force (RPF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Association for Voluntary Action (AVA) for a trafficking free nation.

With a view to work together with a common goal of making the nation trafficking free, Shri Sanjay Chander, DG/RPF had initiated detailed deliberations with Ms. Rajni Sibal, CEO of Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) in presence of Shri Kailash Satyarthi on 8th April 2022. The deliberations were taken forward with signing of MoU today wherein both RPF and AVA (also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan) pledged to work together to share information, build capacity of RPF personnel and railway employees to work against Human Trafficking, increase sensitization and create awareness and also help each other in identification and detection of cases of Human Trafficking. A joint action by both stakeholders under the framework of MoU will definitely enhance the scale, reach and effectiveness of “Operation AAHT” (Action against Human Trafficking) launched by RPF across the nation.

Railway Protection Force is entrusted with the responsibility of security of railway property, passenger area and passengers. It has been discharging responsibility as mandated by the Standardized Operating Procedure for rescue of children issued by Ministry of Railways and working with other stakeholders to rescue more than 50,000 children since 2018 under “Operation Nanhe Farishte”. It has recently launched “Operation AAHT” to take stringent action against human trafficking through rail and has been rescuing victims of Human Trafficking from the clutches of traffickers. In course of its action against traffickers, it has rescued more than 1400 minors including 298 minor girls from the clutches of traffickers. RPF has also set up Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) at more than 740 locations across India instructed to take action against Human Trafficking in coordination of other agencies in this field.

Association of Voluntary Action also known as Bachpan Bachao Andolan, associated with Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation was founded in 1979 under the leadership of Nobel laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi with the mission to eliminate all forms of violence against children and to create a world where all children are free, safe and healthy and receive quality education. AVA aims to achieve this mission by collaborative actions, strengthening national & global policies, building capacity of duty bearers, identifying and replicating best practices in the implementation of the policy or regulatory framework relating to child protection. It is a crucial stakeholder with a large network of dedicated field agents and volunteers spread across the nation. The BBA has been sharing information against child trafficking with police/RPF and assisting in arrest of traffickers/rescue of victims and has gathered domain knowledge and expertise in the field of action against child trafficking.

The Indian Railways is the primary transporter for the nation and therefore is a major route for human traffickers for transportation. The RPF personnel deployed at railway stations and trains are strategically positioned to intercept the trafficking before the victim reaches the destination and the exploitation starts. With its strategic positioning and its pan India reach, RPF can supplement the nation’s efforts to curb Human Trafficking.

5-Apr-2022: RPF organizes National Conference on “Women in Uniform – An Agent of Change”

Railway Protection Force (RPF), with 9% strength of Mahila Personnel, the highest amongst all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF’s) is poised to leverage this advantage to enhance its delivery mechanism and provide a more robust security apparatus to one of the World’s largest rail network, the Indian Railways.

A National Conference was organized today at its headquarters by RPF on “Women in Uniform – An Agent of Change”. It provided a platform to brainstorm on issues pertaining to its Mahila Personnel, spanning from professional inclusion and enhancement, administrative & operational review, training and technical upgradation, welfare and getting the force ready to meet the upcoming challenges in the coming years and decades.

Through a series of presentation the RPF Mahila Personnel from Constables to Gazetted Officers, dwelt on the issues at hand, the operational bottlenecks, traditional male mindsets, enabling ecosystem for performance, grievances, use of technology as gender neutralizer, Mahila Force Personnel as agents of change, etc. A wide array of issues was discussed threadbare, with suggestive solutions in the larger interest of security of life and property on the nationwide Rail Network.

The Conference was attended by Zonal RPF Heads and approximately 600 Mahila RPF Personnel of all ranks from and across the length & breadth of the Country. It was addressed by DG/RPF who took stock of the issues highlighted, assured commensurate policy interventions and empathetic redressal of grievances. He applauded the efforts of the Mahila Personnel especially in the field of women security and exhorted them to enrich themselves with the enhanced capability of addressing dynamic future challenges.

2-Apr-2022: RPF conducts month long Pan India Drive against touts under Operation Upalabdh

With the restoration of long distance train services and likelihood of the festival and summer rush, sharp rise in demand of reserved train accommodation was expected in the month of March 2022. Taking note of the input, Railway Protection Force (RPF) geared up its efforts and launched a pan India drive against activities of touts throughout the country in the Month of March 2022. The field units of RPF gathered inputs from the field, digital and cyber world, collated, verified and analysed information and started the drive across the nation from 1st March 2022. The drive was immensely successful and resulted in arrest of 1459 touts, out of which 341 were authorised IRCTC agents but also indulged in touting of railway tickets. The process of blacklisting these IRCTC agents and blocking as many as 366 IRCTC agent IDs and 6751 personal Ids is being undertaken. The arrest of touts is about 3.64 times the figure of the previous month i.e. February 2022. The tickets of future journey of value more than Rs 65 Lakhs cornered by these touts illegally were recovered and blocked thus making these seats available to the bonafide passengers.

The month long drive under Operation Upalabdh has been able to curb the activities of touts substantially and make railway tickets available to the common man. Indian Railways advises the common public not to procure tickets from unauthorised persons as it is not only likely to be forfeited once detected, but may also land the buyer in legal trouble.

Operation Upalabdh by RPF against touts of railway tickets will continue with same vigour and intensity in future too.