The Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Central Railway and Western Railway continues to go above and beyond its core responsibility of safeguarding railway property.
“Through its initiatives “Operation Amanat” and “Operation Nanhe Farishte,” the RPF has not only ensured the safety of passengers’ belongings but also played a crucial role in reuniting lost children with their families and successfully retrieved and returned lost luggage belonging to passengers, valued at over Rs. 1 crores during the period from January to November 2024.
This includes nearly 50 divisions in Mumbai of both zonal railways” said an official adding that these efforts have ensured the safety of passengers’ belongings, as well as the safe recovery and reunion of lost children with their families”
“In 2024, CR’s Railway Protection Force recovered 1,491 items valued at Rs. 5.22 crores from passengers, including mobile phones, laptops, jewellery, and bags. Notably, in November 2024 alone, 157 items worth Rs. 43.72 lakhs were returned to their rightful owners. This marks a slight decrease from the 1,494 items worth Rs. 4.12 crores recovered in the same period in 2023” said an official of CR.
On the Western Railway, the RPF has made significant strides as well. ” In 2024, over Rs. 8.97 crore worth of lost belongings were returned to passengers under “Operation Amanat,” reflecting a 14.35% increase from the previous year’s total of Rs. 7.84 crore” said an official of WR.
“Despite facing various security challenges, including crimes, extremist threats, and disruptions to train services, the RPF’s dedication to ensuring the safety of passengers’ possessions remains unwavering” he said.
In addition to safeguarding belongings, the RPF’s role in protecting vulnerable children has also been remarkable. Since January 2024, under “Operation Nanhe Farishte,” CR RPF personnel, in collaboration with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and other railway staff, have successfully rescued 1,099 children—740 boys and 359 girls—and reunited them with their families. In November alone, 124 children, including 78 boys and 46 girls, were rescued from distress at various railway stations.
Similarly, WR’s Railway Protection Force has rescued 790 children in need of care and protection in 2024, representing a 3.54% increase from the 763 rescues in 2023. Of these, 507 were boys, and 283 were girls, all safely handed over to child welfare authorities.
“These children were found in vulnerable situations, often having run away from home due to family disputes, personal issues, or the allure of city life. In many cases, the RPF worked alongside NGOs such as Childline to ensure their safe return to their families” said an official.
According to Railway, RPF and continue to display extraordinary commitment in both safeguarding railway property and protecting passengers. “Their actions extend far beyond routine security work, embodying the principles of Suraksha (Security), Satarkta (Vigilance), and Seva (Service).
Through initiatives like “Operation Amanat” and “Operation Nanhe Farishte,” the RPF ensures that railway stations remain not only secure but also compassionate spaces for those in need” he said.
