Indian Railways issues guidelines to prevent incidents of crime against women in trains

Indian Railways on Saturday issued a set of new guidelines to prevent crime against women in trains and in railway premises. Around 23 million passengers travel through the Indian Railways every day out of which 20 percent i.e. about 4.6 million are women. Also Read | Coronavirus Punjab: From ban on gatherings to night curfew in 11 districts, new curbs announced In the recent past, the incidents of crime against women in trains and railway premises has been a major concern. Thus, Indian Railways has issued guidelines for the safety of women passengers and to mitigate atrocities against women in railways. There is a short-term plan which has to be implemented immediately without any delay. It may include keeping watch on suspects, a regular visits to vulnerable spots by duty officers and staff during their rounds. Also Read | Coronavirus Punjab: People not wearing masks in public to be taken for Covid test On the other hand, the long term plan may include improvement of Basis Infrastructure, CCTV, Light Masts, etc. which may take a reasonable time, and till it is completed, the focus should be kept on temporary minor works that can be effective in improving the situation, the Centre stated. Preventive measures to be adopted:

• Proper lighting arrangements covering all vulnerable places identified in Railway Stations, Circulating area, Parking, FOBs, approach roads, ends of platforms, Yards, Washing lines, DEMU / EMU Car sheds, Saloon Sidings, Maintenance depots, etc.
• Abandoned structures in platforms and yards, abandoned quarters, buildings at isolated places which remain unguarded/ unattended should be demolished immediately.
• Unauthorized entries/ exits should be closed.

• Yards, pits, nearby railway areas of stations must be kept clean.
• Waiting rooms should not remain unattended and persons should be allowed to enter the waiting rooms after proper entry, particularly at nights and at times when there is the minimum presence of passengers.
• No staff without Identity Cards may be allowed in trains and railway premises.
• No unauthorized person may be allowed to move in Yard and coaching depots where the coaches are stabled.
• Proper basic security arrangements should be ensured in coaching yards and depots.
• The surveillance system should also be enforced in coaching depots and yards.
• The railway is providing free internet services to the passengers but should make sure that porn sites are not accessible through this service.
• Exemplary action should be taken against railway staff involved in such offenses.
• The cases of crime against women in trains must be followed up till their logical conclusion.

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