Mumbai: From Feb, 1 cop in every train after 10pm

The Western Railway (WR) has assured that at least one security personnel will be present in the women’s coach of every train during the night. HT reports.

Here is some good news for women travelling by train late in the night.

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The Western Railway (WR) has assured that at least one security personnel will be present in the women’s coach of every train during the night.

The personnel, who will be either from the Government Railway Police (GRP) or the Railway Protection force (RPF), will be present in the second-class women’s coach towards Churchgate-end between 10pm and 6am.

Although the primary responsibility of providing security in local trains is with the GRP, the WR has extended its help in a bid to address the safety concerns of women passengers.

Confirming the move, Mahesh Kumar, general manager of WR, said, “We are going to ensure that there is at least one security personnel on each local after 10pm from next month.”

At present, the WR is chalking out a security plan in collaboration with the GRP. “We are studying suburban rake links, so each and every local would be covered,” said Kumar.

Officials said RPF personnel were already manning a few trains post-10pm.

A senior RPF official said out of 600 jawans they have in Mumbai suburban section, 14 are deployed for late night escorting of local trains.

Earlier this month, GRP commissioner Prabhat Kumar had said that it was not possible for them to provide security on all women’s coaches as they were facing a severe staff crunch.

Meanwhile, taking note of complaints by commuters against railway helplines, Kumar, has ordered that the staff immediately pass on the complaint to next the stationmaster through the control room.

Several commuters had said that despite contacting the helpline number 1311, they do not get immediate help at next stations.