For the first time, women constables of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) serving in the Southern Railway Zone are to be imparted specialised training in handling the advanced AK-47 assault rifle.
The six-day course for the first batch of 20 RPF women constables will be conducted at the RPF Zonal Training Centre in Khajamalai here from February 13.
The participants–constables and head constables–serving in various railway divisions within the Southern Railway zone will undergo hands-on training imparted by the instructors of the training centre.
Besides being explained about the weapon and its functioning, the women constables would be trained in inspection, stripping, assembling of the assault rifle, and rectifying faults.
An audio-visual presentation would be made to the participants highlighting about the features of this weapon system.
As part of the specialised crash course, the participants would be taken to the firing range near Tiruchi where they would carry out firing practice using the AK-47 rifles.
This will be the first time that women constables of the RPF serving in the Southern Railway Zone are to be exposed and trained in handling AK-47 assault rifle, says a senior RPF officer.
Women constables of the RPF were already trained in handling the INSAS rifle (Indian Small Arms System), Self Loading Rifle, 9mm pistol, carbine and the .303 rifle.
The idea is to enable the RPF women constables to handle the AK-47 rifle as well which was inducted into the force last year, the officer added.
The over 50-year-old RPF Zonal Training Centre has been periodically organising crash courses for RPF officers and men on various subjects including VIP security, operation and maintenance of security gadgets, improvised explosive devices and counter measures, disaster management and human rights to enhance their professional skills and efficiency and update their knowledge.
Over 3,000 RPF personnel serving in the Southern Railway, South Western Railway Zones and Integral Coach Factory at Chennai attended the crash courses on various subjects in 2011.
In addition to safe guarding railway property, RPF personnel have been vested with the responsibility of escorting passenger trains and providing access control, regulation and security on platforms, passenger and circulating areas.
