After Varkala incident, Railway ramps up security for women passengers

Thiruvananthapuram: After a drunk passenger allegedly pushed a 19-year-old woman off the Kerala Express, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in the Thiruvananthapuram Division reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, with a special focus on women travelling alone.

The division on Tuesday said that it has intensified surveillance, enforcement drives and awareness campaigns to ensure safe travel, curb unauthorised entry and prevent footboard travel and trespassing. To strengthen security, RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) teams are conducting targeted night combing operations to identify suspicious persons and habitual offenders. Escorting staff are regularly briefed, and unauthorised presence on trains or at stations is immediately reported to control rooms for prompt action, the division said in a statement.

The division also stated that five dedicated “Meri Saheli” teams were deployed at major stations, including Nagercoil, Thiruvananthapuram South, Thiruvananthapuram North, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam North and Thrissur. These trained personnel assist women passengers and have interacted with over 35,000 women this year, offering safety guidance and psychological reassurance.

The release also stated that offenders involved in crimes against women are being swiftly arrested and handed over to police, with action also being taken against those entering women-only coaches and other violators under the Railway Act. CCTV coverage in coaches and video checks at departure stations have also been expanded. The division has further intensified enforcement against footboard travel, warning that the dangerous practice will face strict legal action.

A drunk passenger, Suresh Kumar (48), allegedly kicked a 19-year-old woman off the moving Kerala Express near Varkala on Sunday, leaving her seriously injured. She was admitted to the Medical College Hospital with head and abdominal injuries. The accused was later arrested by the RPF.