The RPF wing of Southern Railway has taken a series of measures to beef up security at Chennai Suburban railway stations and trains in order to ensure safer commute for the passengers, women in particular.
Station vigil
Apart from the regular RPF field staff posted at railway stations, one RPF Officer with 3 staff will conduct ambush check in Chennai Beach – Velachery MRTS section during night hours. Such ambush checks will be conducted on a daily basis in-coordination with GRP/Local police.
In addition to the regular RPF security drives, ‘Dark night’ scheme has been implemented over various suburban sections in Chennai Division viz., Chennai Suburban Terminal (MMC) – Gummidipundi, Chennai Suburban Terminal (MMC) – Arakkonam, Chennai Suburban Terminal (MMC) – Tambaram sections every month to check, curb and prevent the activities of anti-social elements and criminals. Further, maximum number of women RPF personnel is posted at wayside stations to ensure utmost visibility. The presence of women RPF staff at the station platforms with a view to increase the confidence of women passengers and to feel a sense of security.
Apart from this, the services of Crime Prevention and Detection Squad (CPDS) are also being utilized in the section to prevent/detect any crime against passengers and their belongings.
RPF Train Escorts
Train escorting being a significant safety measure adopted by RPF, important Mail/Exp./EMU trains are provided with buddy pair RPF escorts. EMU trains plying on late night/early morning hours are also being escorted by buddy pair RPF to ensure the safety of passengers.
In order to make lady passengers feel safe and secured throughout their journey, ‘Meri Saheli’ (My Friend), novel initiative by RPF has been launched. The Meri-Saheli team consisting WSIPF and Women Constables interact with the women passengers travelling in different coaches regarding security related issues. The details of such women passengers are collected by RPF Meri-Saheli team during the interaction are being regularly shared to the next RPF post where the train had stoppage and also to the adjoining Division/Railway.
The passengers are also sensitized on Rail Madad Helpline 139 which can be accessed for various security related issues during rail travel.
The Third Eye surveillance
All out efforts are taken to increase surveillance for ensuring hassle free journey to the travelling public in trains as well at stations. A comprehensive security mechanism is being provided and continuously upgraded. CCTV has been installed at 16 Railways Stations over Chennai Division viz., Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore Moore Market Complex, Mambalam, Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Basin Bridge,Tiruvallur,Nungambakkam,St.Thomas Mount, Palavanthangal,Chengalpattu,Thirumailai,,Arrakkonam,Katpadi&Jolarpettai.
Significantly, 548 CCTV cameras have been installed at important suburban stations over Chennai Division to keep a watch on the passenger flow and crowd management. Whenever any incident of theft/accident/crime is reported, the RPF Inspector concerned is advised to review the footage of CCTV to ascertain any clue and to identify the criminals involved, if any. Review of CCTV Footage is done on a real-time basis to identify the movement of suspected criminals.
Details of CCTV work-in-progress
Chennai Division has awarded the tender for installation of CCTV cameras at 74 stations covering all the Suburban and Non-sub-urban stations. The details are as under:
l The work for installation of CCTV cameras is being expedited in Chennai Beach – Velachery MRTS and Chennai Egmore – Villupuram sections (26 stations) and the tentative date of completion is 31.12.2023.
l The installation of CCTV cameras is being expedited in Chennai – Gudur section (17 stations) and the tentative date of completion is 30.06.2024
l he installation of CCTV cameras is being expedited in Chennai – Jolarpettai and Arakkonam – Renigunta sections (31 stations) and the tentative date of completion is 30.09.2024.
In addition, M/s.Railtel has also awarded the tender for CCTV cameras to be provided at 54 ‘D’ and ‘E’ category stations of Chennai Division for which the tentative date of completion is 31.03.2024.
Southern Railway appeals to rail passengers to cooperate with Railways and access the services of RPF/GRP and Rail Madad Helpline 139 for security related grievances.
