RPF Raising Day Celebrated at Railway Divisional office, Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Railway Protection Force, Thiruvananthapuram Division, Southern Railway celebrated its 33rd Raising Day in a befitting manner today (24.09.18).
As part of the same, a ceremonial parade was organized at Railway Divisional Office in which Shirish Kumar Sinha, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway, Thiruvananthapuram was the Chief Guest, took salute and addressed the gathering. A blood donation camp was organized at Railway Divisional office complex, Thycaud, Thiruvananthapurm in association with CIF (Citizens India Foundation), Thiruvananthapuram. 34 RPF members donated blood.
During the year 1985, the RPF Act was amended to recognize RPF as an Armed Force of the Union for better protection and security of Railway property which came into force on 20.09.1987. Raising Day is celebrated to commemorate the recognition of RPF as an Armed Force status with the above said amendment.
A wellness check up for RPF personnel was also organized in association with Railway Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram wherein majority of the Force members underwent medical checkup at Railway Kalyanamandapam. A special medical awareness program against lifestyle diseases was also organized for the Force members and Dr. Marin & Dr. Sony, Railway Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram addressed.
The program was attended by S. Ramakrishnan, Divisional Security Commissioner, Thiruvananthapuram Division and other higher officials of Railway and RPF. During the year 2018, so far 32 offenders have been arrested under the provisions of Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act for having committed theft of Railway Property.
Similarly, as per amended provisions of Railways Act, in this year, 12239 offenders were prosecuted and an amount Rs. 10,95,900/- (Ten Lakh Ninety five thousand and Nine hundred) was realized as fine for crimes such as unauthorized vending, travelling in compartment reserved for women or differently abled passengers, selling of railway ticket by unauthorized agents etc.
Further, RPF/Thiruvananthapuram Division has proactively assisted Commercial department in detection of 1,77,150 (One Lakh seventy seven thousand and one hundred fifty) nos. of ticketless travelers and an amount of Seven Crore Thirty Five Lakh rupees was realized as fine in the financial year 2017-18.
RPF is also actively pursuing its drive against alarm chain pulling, train detentions, agitations etc. This year so far, 342 nos. of offenders have been arrested. Thus, the role of RPF in ensuring punctuality cannot be overlooked.
The Ministry of Railways has declared the year 2018 as the Year of Woman’s safety. In this front, RPF is doing a valuable service in rescue of destitute ladies, minor children, assisting differently abled and senior passengers.
In the year-2017, RPF/Thiruvananthapuram rescued 98 minors and this year till now, it has rescued 120 minors and helped in rehabilitation of rescued minors with the help of Government agencies and empowered NGOs.
In today’s context, role of RPF is evolving and emphasis is placed on passenger security and security of passenger belongings. For this, 70 trains including passenger / express trains, and women’s compartments are being escorted by RPF of Thiruvananthapuram Division for ensuring security of passengers.
RPF of Thiruvananthapuram Division has been given the responsibility of securing more than 600 route kilometers, 105 railway stations and more than 2 lakh passengers. Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram Division urged the officers and staff of RPF to accept this challenge and perform their duty with passion and integrity. He assured full support to RPF of Thiruvananthapuram Division in achieving their goal of secure and safe travel for passengers in Indian Railways.