THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala has asked the Railways to allow armed guards on trains for the safety of women passengers. The demand is that the Kerala Railway Police be allowed to carry guns on night trains running in Kerala. The Railway SP has written a letter in this regard. If permission is granted, the police security on trains will be led by a sub-inspector. It has also been recommended to increase the number of railway police.
The authority that provides armed security on trains at present is the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The Railway Police can carry guns only when VIPs are travelling. Otherwise, they can use only lathis and torches as weapons. There are only 13 railway police stations in Kerala, which has 1027 km of railway track. The Railways has also been asked to allow 10 new stations and outposts in view of the increase in trains and passengers. There are currently no police stations or outposts even at major railway stations.
The Railways bear half of the expenses, including the salary of the Railway Police. Therefore, the Railway Board's permission is required to increase the number of police and open stations.
RPF may be given more powers
The Centre is considering giving more powers to the RPF to ensure the safety of passengers. Its current responsibilities include the security of railway properties and the seizure of cannabis and drugs. The RPF is being considered for the power to register cases of violence against women and children, robbery of passengers by drugging them, and theft of luggage. Women officers are allowed to use pepper spray in emergencies.
No coordination in security
''Women's safety will be ensured in trains. There will be immediate measures
-Ravada A Chandrasekhar
Police Chief
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