Indian Railways has announced an initiative to equip women personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) with chilli spray cans. This non-lethal tool aims to help women RPF personnel handle challenging situations effectively, ensuring the safety of female passengers, particularly those traveling alone or with children.
This move reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to gender inclusivity, women empowerment, and enhanced security across its vast network. Women RPF personnel will now have an additional layer of security, enabling them to deter threats, respond to harassment incidents, and handle emergencies, especially in sensitive areas like isolated stations and running trains.
Director General of RPF, Manoj Yadav, stated, “This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women and ensuring safer public spaces. Our women RPF personnel stand as symbols of strength, care, and resilience. By equipping them with chilli spray cans, we are enhancing their confidence and operational capability while prioritizing passenger safety, especially for women.”
The RPF has the highest proportion of women personnel among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), with 9% being female. Many of these women are part of the ‘Meri Saheli’ teams, which interact with nearly 12,900 female passengers daily, ensuring their safety and providing reassurance.
Women RPF personnel also assist female passengers in distress, including expectant mothers during train journeys. Under ‘Operation Matrishakti,’ they helped 174 women give birth safely onboard trains in 2024. During major events like the Mahakumbh, women RPF personnel worked alongside their male counterparts to assist thousands of women pilgrims.
The new initiative reaffirms Indian Railways’ dedication to providing a safe and secure journey for women passengers, with women RPF personnel embodying strength, compassion, and resilience.
