OREANDA-NEWS. March 15, 2012. Upgradation and strengthening of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is being done by way of provision of funds for procurement of latest security equipment, creation of additional manpower, upgradation of training centers, specialized training in training centers of other Forces etc.

 Prevention and detection of crime and maintenance of law & order in station premises and trains is the responsibility of respective State Governments which they discharge through Government Railway Police (GRP). RPF supplements the efforts of GRP. On an average, 1275 important Mail/Express trains are escorted by the RPF personnel and 2200 Mail/Express trains are escorted by the GRP personnel daily. Based on crime trend analysis and availability of man power, escorts are provided after consultation between the RPF and the GRP. A total number of 14189 posts in various ranks are presently vacant in the RPF. These vacancies include 5134 newly created non-gazetted posts. Recruitment process for filling up of these vacancies has already commenced. During last three years, recruitment was completed for filling up vacancies of 1393 posts of Constables and 65 posts of Public Prosecutors and Assistant Public Prosecutors.

 Security has been identified as one of the priority areas of Indian Railways. Steps taken to strengthen/upgrade the RPF include procurement of modern security related equipment, creation of additional posts, establishment of new Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) battalions, setting up of commando training centers, networking of security control rooms, setting up of all India Security Help Line etc.