The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and NGO Akshara have launched a campaign to make railway travel safer for women, which also highlights national helpline number, 182, for women in distress.
IGP RPF A.K. Singh and director, Akshara Centre Dr. Nandita Shah on Tuesday launched the campaign and released a booklet that contains various protocols for RPF personnel who have to respond to calls of distress.
Though the railway police helpline, 103, is better known to Mumbai commuters, the 182 helpline number has a national presence. “182 Helpline is one step ahead in making travel safer and better for women. When travel becomes safer for women, it becomes safer for everyone,” Ms. Shah said. Akshara Centre has also been associated with the 103 police helpline for seven years and is helping in sensitising and developing soft skills of RPF personnel.
She added, “We are not re-launching the 182 helpline but are trying to improve the response system and create awareness.” The campaign urges commuters to break the silence over harassment of women, appeals to bystanders to not remain indifferent and intervene to support women who are facing harassment.
Mr. Singh said, “The 182 helpline has all-India presence and as the first responder, we are always there and are in a better position to redress the grievances. 182 helpline can be directed to the concerned railway police and our response would be prompt,” said Mr. Singh.
The helpline provides round-the-clock security-related assistance to passengers all over the country, and will particularly provide safety cover to women in distress. The facility will provide speedy assistance in the event of theft, pick-pocketing, misplaced luggage and unauthorised persons travelling in ladies coaches and coaches reserved for differently-abled rail passengers.
The campaign booklet explains how RPF personnel should respond to calls received on ‘the 182 helpline.
The writer is an intern with The Hindu
