Security helpline for train passengers in the offing
PTI
New Delhi, Jan 4:
A nationwide railway helpline number — 135— to help
passengers seeking security assistance during train journeys is in the
offing.
The All-India Passenger Security Helpline can be used all over the country round-the-clock.
“All
necessary preparations for launching the helpline for security
assistance are being made to launch the first of its kind all-India
service,” a senior Railway Ministry official involved with the project
said.
The helpline will be managed by the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
“There
will be a control room near the Daya Basti here to receive complaints
round-the-clock. The control room building is ready now,” said the
official, adding “a passenger can make any security-related complaint
using the number.”
RPF will provide necessary
training to about 250 staff for the call centre job. “There will be
about 30 RPF personnel deployed at the control room to receive the
complaints and do the needful,” the official said.
Networking of all RPF units and other modalities are being worked out to launch the helpline.
“Networking
of security control rooms and important posts has been sanctioned at an
estimated cost of Rs 4.41 crore for speedy collection and dissemination
of crime related information,” he said.
Noting that
railways is becoming a soft target of sabotage and terrorism, the
official said, “Security of passengers is of paramount importance for
railways and we would like all passengers to travel fearlessly“.
Railways also plans to amend railway property law to empower RPF in dealing with passenger-related offences.
Necessary
amendments in the Railway Property (unlawful possession) Act to further
empower RPF officers to conduct inquiry on receipt of information and
widen the ambit of its penal sections has been passed in the Rajya Sabha
and now it will be sent to Lok Sabha for consideration.
“The
amendments will empower the RPF to deal with passenger-related
offences,” he said, adding “RPF will have to play a vital role in
coordination with other police forces and intelligence agencies to deter
disruptive elements and ensure smooth, safe and secure movement of
railways as well as passengers.”
5:35 PM
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