“Railway Protection Force, also known as RPF, is a specialized security force that works under the Ministry of Railways in India. The primary function of RPF is to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers, railway property, and railway premises. In this blog, we will explore the RPF Ka Full Form, history, structure, functions, and other important information related to this force.
RPF Ka Full Form:
The full form of RPF is Railway Protection Force, which is also known as रेलवे सुरक्षा बल in Hindi.
History of RPF:
The history of RPF can be traced back to the year 1854 when the first railway line was laid between Bombay and Thane. In those days, railway thefts were very common, and the British government had to employ a small security force to protect the railways. Later, the British government formed the Railway Police, which was responsible for maintaining law and order on the railway premises.
In 1957, the Railway Police was replaced by the Railway Protection Force, which was created by an act of the Indian Parliament. The primary objective of creating RPF was to provide better security to railway passengers and railway property.
Structure of RPF:
RPF has a hierarchical structure, which is as follows:
- Director General – The head of the force
- Principal Chief Security Commissioner – The second in command
- Chief Security Commissioner – In charge of a zone
- Senior Security Commissioner – In charge of a division
- Divisional Security Commissioner – In charge of a sub-division
- Assistant Security Commissioner – In charge of a railway station
Functions of RPF:
The primary functions of RPF are as follows:
- To protect railway passengers, railway property, and railway premises from any kind of unlawful activities
- To ensure the safety and security of railway passengers during their journey
- To prevent and detect any crime related to the railway premises and railway property
- To assist the railway administration in maintaining law and order on the railway premises
- To assist the railway administration in emergency situations like accidents, natural calamities, and others
- To maintain a database of criminals who are involved in railway-related crimes
- To provide security to important railway installations like bridges, tunnels, and others
- To conduct special drives against drug peddlers and other anti-social elements on the railway premises
- To maintain close coordination with other law enforcement agencies like the police, CISF, and others
- To conduct awareness programs for railway passengers on various safety measures while traveling on the railways
Recent developments in RPF:
In recent years, RPF has undertaken several initiatives to improve the safety and security of railway passengers. Some of the recent developments in RPF are as follows:
The introduction of body-worn cameras: RPF has started using body-worn cameras to record the activities of their personnel while on duty. This initiative has been taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of RPF.
The introduction of security helpline numbers: RPF has introduced security helpline numbers for railway passengers to report any suspicious activity or crime on the railway premises. These numbers are displayed prominently on railway stations and in the railway coaches.
The deployment of women personnel: RPF has increased the deployment of women personnel on the railway premises, especially in the areas where women passengers are more vulnerable. This initiative has been taken to ensure the safety and security of women passengers.
The use of technology: RPF has started using technology to improve the effectiveness of their operations. The force has installed CCTV cameras at railway stations and other important installations to monitor the activities of passengers and anti-social elements.”