Bhubaneswar: Indian Railways had launched the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative in East Coast Zone on October 17, 2020, to ensure the security of female passengers, especially those travelling alone in trains.
In the East Coast Zone, New Delhi-bound Special Rajdhani Express starting from Bhubaneswar was the first train to be manned by the ‘Meri Saheli’ team.
The other trains in this zone to be served by ‘Meri Saheli’ teams include Bhubaneswar-Mumbai Konark Special, Puri-Durg Special, Puri-Howrah Daily Special, Visakhapatnam-New Delhi Special AP Express, Balangir-Bhubaneswar Special and Sambalpur-Puri Special.
The Puri-New Delhi-Puri Purusottam Special Express, Puri-Ahmedabad Special, Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Special, Howrah-Yesvantpur Duronto Special, Shalimar-Secunderabad AC Special, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Jan Shatabdi Special, Howrah-Trichirapalli Special and Korba-Visakhapatnam Special are among other trains to be attended to by ‘Meri Saheli’ en route.
To handle this project, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has engaged nearly 226 RPF personnel to form 7 teams at various important stations under its jurisdiction, namely Khurda Road, Bhubaneswar, Puri, Visakhapatnam, Sambalpur, Balangir and Cuttack.
A google link has also been shared with all important stations, where they can upload the data of female passengers.
Till date, around 1085 female passengers have been made aware of drugging, snatching and taking care of their luggage etc.
Besides ensuring the security of female passengers, ‘Meri Saheli’ team is also spreading awareness about precautions to be taken to restrict the spread of COVID-19 during train journeys.
Female passengers, who have lauded the new initiative, are being encouraged to call Helpline number 182 if they face any untoward situation.
