Women’s safety in public transport has always been a matter of serious concern in India, particularly in railway networks that connect millions of passengers across the country daily. Recognising this, the Palakkad division of the Indian Railways has launched an intensified security initiative aimed at ensuring a safer and more comfortable travel experience for women passengers. With the festive season, including Onam, expected to bring a surge in travellers, the division has increased the deployment of Railway Protection Force (RPF) escorts across key trains and stations.
A Step Towards Safer Journeys
The initiative focuses on strengthening real-time protection measures and building a sense of security for women travelling alone. Dedicated RPF teams have been deployed at five major stations within the Palakkad division. These personnel not only monitor security but also engage with passengers directly to educate them on safety protocols, provide helpline details, and ensure that assistance is available at all times. One of the notable aspects of this programme is the deployment of 64 specially nominated women RPF personnel who attend designated trains daily. On average, 11 female RPF staff interact with around 230 solo women passengers every day, making the effort proactive rather than reactive.
Digital Support: Rail Madad and Other Platforms
To complement on-ground safety measures, the Railways has also focused on enhancing its digital assistance framework. Passengers are sensitised about Rail Madad (139)—the centralised helpline—along with grievance redressal platforms like Instagram and CPGRAMS for instant reporting of distress cases. This integration of technology ensures that even if physical help is not immediately available, quick assistance can be summoned through digital channels. In 2025 alone, approximately 38 complaints from women passengers in the division were received via Rail Madad and were resolved promptly, showcasing the system’s efficiency.
Impact and Passenger Response
The initiative has already shown impressive results. In 2025, around 37,276 women travellers have benefitted from these safety measures, highlighting not only the scale but also the impact of the programme. Passenger feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing relief and confidence in the improved security protocols. This positive response has encouraged railway authorities to collect regular suggestions from travellers to further refine the initiative, ensuring that it evolves with the changing needs of passengers.
Beyond Escorts: Additional Security Measures
While the RPF escort initiative remains the centrepiece of this safety drive, the Palakkad division has gone further by introducing mixed escorts in night trains and conducting joint patrols of RPF and Government Railway Police (GRP) at key stations. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate passengers on using Rail Madad and the Railways’ mobile applications for instant communication in emergencies. These combined efforts create a multi-layered safety network that covers prevention, real-time monitoring, and quick resolution of incidents.
Why It Matters: Women’s Safety in Indian Railways
Rail travel remains one of the most accessible and widely used modes of transport in India, yet women often face discomfort or even threats during journeys—especially when travelling alone at night or through less-crowded routes. Initiatives like these are crucial in rebuilding trust and ensuring that women can use railway services without fear. Moreover, by nominating women RPF personnel to lead the initiative, the railways have addressed a significant psychological barrier. Female officers not only act as protectors but also create a sense of relatability and reassurance for women passengers who may hesitate to share concerns with male security staff.
Towards a Safer Future
The Palakkad division’s initiative is a progressive model that can be replicated across other railway zones in India. By combining human presence, digital support, and continuous feedback, it reflects a holistic approach to public transport safety. With festive travel and holiday rush expected to continue, the expansion of such measures will play a key role in shaping a safer railway experience—not just for women, but for all passengers. The enhanced RPF escort programme is more than a temporary safety measure; it symbolises a shift towards a travel culture where security and comfort go hand in hand. For the thousands of women passengers who board trains daily in the Palakkad division, this initiative is a promise that their journeys are being watched over—not just by technology, but by a dedicated team committed to their safety.