Safer Train Rides For Andhra Women With 'Subhadra Vahini'

The Indian Railways has decided to dedicate the year 2018 to women’s safety. In a unique initiative to strengthen women’s security, Visakhapatnam railway station of Waltair Division, East Coast Railway, has launched an all-female group of railway personnel, Subhadra Vahini. The special team will assist women passengers who are facing inconveniences. Divisional Railway Manager M S Mathur launched the programme on Monday. The unique initiative was started with an aim to boost women's security in the railways.

Subhadra Vahini is a team of 32 female railway personnel.  It comprises 16 from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other 16 members from the division's commercial wing. The initiative is a joint venture by the Railway Protection Force and Railway Commercial Department, Waltair division.  The team of 32 members will also include 10 ticket checking members.

Also: Indian Railways Plans to Increase Women Security Staff

There are two ways to get in touch with Subhadra Vahini. Either one can dial on their toll-free number 182 or they can connect through social media. Any woman facing inconvenience can get in touch with Subhadra Vahini through its Facebook and Twitter profiles.

While launching the programme, Mathur said the group will work actively to prevent crimes.

“The motto of the Subhadra Vahini group is to boost security for women passengers and prevent crimes on both platforms and on trains. The group members will keep an eye out for miscreants and will promptly attend to the grievances of passengers,” said Mathur

Railways have taken this initiative in response to safety-related complaints from women passengers.

Also: Indian Railways to Install CCTV Cameras at 983 Stations

Mathur stated that women passengers hesitate to notify male security personnel about their problems. He said, “In such cases, the Vahini team will act promptly by interacting with them and will address their grievances on the spot. It is for the first time that women ticket checking staff are also deployed to handle penalties or commercial issues if any.”

Indian Railways has been taking several measures to strengthen the security of women passengers in trains.

Last month, the North Eastern Railway (NER) decided to instal 'panic buttons' in coaches. NER will also deploy women personnel during night hours to keep the national transport safe. Railways also propose to instal CCTV Cameras on platforms and in women coaches.

"Safety of passengers is paramount for us," said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal at a press conference.

Picture Credit: ANI

Also Read: Railways To Install Sanitary Napkin Machines In 200 Stations

More Stories by Deepali!

Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV