In response to the alarming increase in sexual harassment incidents on Mumbai's suburban trains, the Government Railway Police (GRP) will station more than 1,200 uniformed officers on platforms and in women's compartments between 9 pm and 6 am.
This development comes to ensure the safety of female passengers commuting by local trains during the odd hours of the day.
GRP has taken this decision in response to the two incidents of sexual assault and harassment taken on a moving train in June. The Railway police solved both the cases by arresting the accused persons. However, it is pertinent to note that these incidents took place during broad daylight.
To reinforce their efforts, the GRP will collaborate with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and select staff from the GRP, Home Guards, and Maharashtra Security Force. They will collect resources and expertise. It will allow them to maximise the effectiveness of the security measures they implement.
The GRP has decided to deploy 640 personnel on trains and more than 600 on platforms, said the official.
If women passengers find that security personnel are not onboard ladies coaches, they can immediately call the Railway helpline on 1512.
This will ensure a constant presence and swift response to incidents.
Since the beginning of this year, GRP has received over 1.58 lakh calls on the helpline, with 13,921 requests for assistance or information.
Mumbai's suburban train network encompasses the Belapur-Nerul-Kharkopar (Ulwe), Central, Western, Harbour, and Trans-Harbour lines. To cover this extensive network and safeguard female passengers, the GRP plans to deploy approximately 640 personnel on trains and over 600 personnel on platforms.
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