To improve response of security personnel towards railway commuters, Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel have been undergoing an on-the-job refresher course for the past week. They have been given pocket size manuals enumerating duties to be undertaken by security personnel of the Central Railway (CR). The comprehensive manual comprises Railway Act rules, guidelines on emergency management, duties towards women and differently-abled passengers, sections under the Railway Act, and information on fines and jail term. “The pocket size manual summarises the nine-month training imparted RPF trainees,” said an officer, adding that refresher courses were a better way to check and improve the response time of the force. This is the second such initiative this year. Earlier, a weekly practical test was conducted by senior officers to check response of RPF staff to different emergency situations. “The pocket size manual serves as a guide to RPF personnel in discharging their duties towards commuters,” said Alok Bohra, senior Divisional Security Commissioner (Mumbai division), CR. Keeping a watch on compartments reserved for women commuters and differently-abled passengers, asking commuters, especially, women about problems faced during travelling and counselling them to not travel in empty compartments are some of the points mentioned in the manual. Upholding human rights while prosecuting offenders, assisting children at station or inside trains and helping security forces in emergencies situations at railway stations are some of the other guidelines mentioned in the manual. Helpline and railway control numbers are also printed to help the RPF personnel remember the numbers and also share it with passengers when required. priyal.dave@expressindia.com
