New Delhi: The Indian Railways has decided to issue pepper spray cans to women Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel. This announcement came on International Women’s Day and officials believe that this decision will go a long way to provide more security to women passengers travelling alone, or with children.
“This initiative aligns with our Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women and ensuring safer public spaces. Indian Railways has consistently introduced several measures to improve the travel experience for women passengers. Our women RPF personnel stand as symbols of strength, care and resilience. By equipping them with pepper spray cans, we are enhancing their confidence and operational capability, while sending a clear message that passenger safety — especially the safety of women — is our highest priority,” Manoj Yadav, DG, RPF, said.
Pepper spray, though non-lethal, can incapacitate a miscreant for long enough, before more help arrives. The experience is so painful that it may also act as a deterrent for small-time criminals, officials believe.
“Small-time crooks may forget a stroke of the cane, but not the temporary sting in the eyes and face that pepper spray can cause. Even a heavily built man can be brought down to his knees with this harmless weapon. It is easy to use and requires no special training. The cans can be carried in pockets or hung in special loops attached to the uniform belts. They require no special care,” an official said.
The spray cans will come in extremely handy to tackle cases of harassment at sensitive locations, such as isolated stations and running trains. The women RPF constables will also feel safer when posted to remote railway locations, he said.
The RPF claims that it has the highest percentage of women (9%) among all Central Armed Police Forces. Many of these women RPF personnel are part of the ‘Meri Saheli’ teams, whose core responsibility is to ensure safe journey for women travellers.
The role of women RPF personnel extends far beyond security. They frequently assist female passengers in distress, including expectant mothers who go into labour during train journeys. Under ‘Operation Matrishakti’, women RPF personnel have helped 174 women give birth on board trains in 2024 alone, ensuring privacy, dignity, and timely medical aid.
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