Updated June 3, 2023
Full Form of RPF (Railway Protection Force)
The Railway Protection Force is a type of security force for the Indian Railways, established in 1986 to protect railway passengers, passenger areas, and railway property. The RPF is responsible for maintaining law and order in trains and railway premises. It also manages cases of theft, robbery, and other criminal activities on the railway. The RPF functions under the Home Ministry of Indian Railways, Government of India, and has its headquarters in New Delhi.
History and Evolution of RPF
The RPF establish in 1986 under the Indian Railways Act 1989. The primary objective of the RPF was to ensure the security and safety of Indian railways. The RPF form due to increasing theft, robbery, and other criminal activities in trains and railway premises.
Over the years, the RPF has evolved and expanded its scope of work. Today, the RPF is fully equipped with the latest technology and infrastructure to carry out its duties effectively. The RPF has also introduced several new initiatives, such as the RPF Helpline, which allows passengers to seek assistance while traveling by train.
Organizational Structure of RPF
The organizational structure of the Railway Protection Force is as follows:
- Director-General (DG) is the highest authority in the RPF, responsible for overall operations and administration.
- Inspector General (IG) is the second-highest authority in the RPF. Each of the eight RPF zones is by an Inspector General responsible who manages the security and protection of railway passengers and property within the zone.
- The Senior Divisional Security Commissioner (Sr. DSC) heads the several divisions made from a zone. The Sr. DSC is responsible for overseeing the functioning of RPF personnel and operations within the division.
- Commandant is the head of the company. An RPF divides to form companies. The Commandant is responsible for the company’s training, deployment, and management of RPF personnel.
- The RPF personnel carry out the day-to-day operations of the RPF, including patrolling, checking, monitoring, and maintaining law and order on railway premises. They are responsible for safeguarding the railway’s passengers and property.
Powers and Duties of RPF
The Railway Protection Force is a critical security force responsible for maintaining law and order in trains and railway premises and protecting railway passengers and property. The RPF empowers with several powers and duties specified under the Indian Railways Act of 1989.
Some of the major powers and duties of the RPF are:
1. Maintenance of Law and Order
It is responsible for maintaining law and order in trains and railway premises. This includes preventing and checking incidents of theft, robbery, and other criminal activities on the railway.
2. Prevention and Detection of Crimes
It empowers to prevent and detect crimes on the railways. Individuals found to occur in illegal activities on the railway can arrest and detain by the RPF.
3. Protection of Railway Property and Passenger Area
It protects railway property, including trains, railway stations, and other premises. The RPF also safeguards passenger areas, including railway coaches and compartments.
4. Assistance to Railway Passengers
It provides service to railway passengers, including information, guiding lost passengers, and helping passengers with disabilities or those needing special assistance. The RPF also assists passengers in case of any emergency or medical situation.
5. Regulation of Unauthorized Entry
It is authorized to regulate unauthorized entry into railway premises, including railway stations and trains. The RPF can detain and arrest individuals who are to be entering railway premises without a valid ticket or authority.
Initiatives Taken by RPF
The RPF has taken several initiatives to enhance the safety and security of railway passengers and property over the years.
Some of the major initiatives taken by the RPF include:
1. RPF Helpline
Passengers can use this toll-free number (182) to report any security-related incidents or seek assistance while traveling by train.
2. Women’s Helpdesks
The RPF has set up women’s helpdesks at major railway stations to assist and secure women passengers.
3. Child Help Desks
The RPF has set up child help desks at major railway stations to provide assistance and security to child passengers and prevent child trafficking and abuse.
4. Senior Citizen Assistance
The RPF has introduced special arrangements for senior citizens, including special berths in trains and priority seating at railway stations.
5. Escort Services
The RPF provides escort services to passengers traveling alone in trains, particularly women and children.
6. Awareness Campaigns
The RPF conducts awareness campaigns and workshops to educate passengers about railway security and sensitize them to report suspicious activities or incidents.
Conclusion – Full Form of RPF
The Full Form of (RPF) Railway Protection Force plays a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the Indian Railways. It is also responsible for ensuring railway passengers’ and property safety and security. With its dedicated team of officers and modern infrastructure, it commits to providing a safe and secure journey for railway passengers. The RPF continues to evolve and expand its scope of work and has taken several initiatives to enhance the security of railway passengers and property over the years.
