The 8th All India Conference of Government Railway Police (GRP) Chiefs concluded in New Delhi on October 23, with a focus on intelligence-led policing, enhanced coordination among railway security agencies and the use of technology to strengthen passenger safety.
Convened by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the conference brought together senior railway officials and GRP chiefs from various States and Union Territories to discuss emerging security challenges, share best practices and improve coordination among the RPF, GRP and State Police.
The conference was presided over by Director General of RPF Sonali Mishra and attended by Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board Satish Kumar, members of the Railway Board and other senior officials.
A key development was the onboarding of GRP personnel onto the RailMadad platform by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). The initiative aims to improve passenger grievance redressal, facilitate timely information-sharing and strengthen complaint monitoring.
Focus on Passenger Safety and Technology
The conference highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving railway security. South Central Railway presented its women-led initiative, Pink Patrol: Eyes in the Sky, SHAKTI on the Ground, which integrates drone-assisted surveillance with rapid-response teams under the SHAKTI framework.
The issue of stone-pelting on trains was also discussed, with emphasis on identifying vulnerable locations, strengthening surveillance, intensifying patrolling and taking strict action against offenders. Officials highlighted the importance of youth outreach, community awareness and better coordination between the RPF and GRP to prevent such incidents.
Special Arrangements for Festival Rush
With Diwali and Chhath leading to increased passenger movement, crowd management and advance security planning featured prominently in the deliberations.
Northern Railway’s Delhi Division presented its coordinated arrangements with Delhi Police, GRP and Delhi Metro authorities. These include CCTV surveillance, public announcements, barricading, designated holding areas and dedicated control rooms to manage crowds and ensure orderly passenger movement during peak periods.
Community-Based Initiatives for Railway Safety
Central Railway’s Pune Division showcased Project DISHA, or Dedicated Initiative for Safety, Harmony and Awareness. The initiative seeks to engage children living near railway tracks through educational and recreational activities, railway safety awareness sessions and community-based interventions.
The project involves collaboration with non-governmental organisations, National Service Scheme volunteers and local communities. It aims to promote responsible behaviour and discourage unsafe practices such as trespassing, stone-pelting and theft.
The conference also deliberated on joint RPF-GRP training, sabotage prevention, timely information-sharing on narcotics detection, digital evidence handling and standardised investigative procedures. Strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms, investigative capabilities and supporting infrastructure were identified as important priorities.
Call for Coordinated Action
Addressing the gathering, Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar underscored the need for coordinated efforts, technological advancement and innovation to address evolving security challenges across Indian Railways.
He also stressed the importance of building passenger confidence through courteous and professional policing and leveraging technology to improve operational efficiency.
-PIB
