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Railways publishes year-end report: “400 men are detained every day for entering areas reserved for women”

Railways publishes year-end report: “400 men are detained every day for entering areas reserved for women”

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In its 2024 financial statements, the Ministry of Railways said the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative was launched by the RPF to provide greater security to women traveling alone throughout their journey

Indian women travel on a crowded local train in Mumbai. (Image: AFP/File)

Indian women travel on a crowded local train in Mumbai. (Image: AFP/File)

Between April and November this year, a total of 95,146 men – an average of 400 per day – were arrested for allegedly entering women’s areas on trains.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Railways, these men have been charged under Section 62 of the Railways Act 1989. This concerns charges for entering a carriage or other seat reserved for women on the railway without a lawful excuse.

In its 2024 financial statements, the ministry said a total of 92,405 cases were registered in the section and 95,146 people were arrested between April 1 and November 30.

It said 87,866 people – an average of more than 360 per day – were arrested for being denied seats on buses reserved for passengers with disabilities. A total of 86,895 cases have been registered so far.

The ministry further said that the ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative was launched by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to provide greater security to women traveling alone throughout their journey – from origin station to destination in long-distance trains.

“Female passengers’ feedback will also be used to analyze the successes and shortcomings of this initiative and further improve it.” “On frequent trips, male passengers will be denied access to the compartments reserved for women,” it said.

The RPF is responsible for the protection and security of railway property and prosecutes criminals involved in their theft and embezzlement. A total of 5,353 cases were registered and 9,785 people were arrested under Operation Rail Suraksha.

During the same period, 13,717 children were rescued by the RPF under Operation Nanhe Faristey. In addition, as part of Operation Jeevan Raksha, a total of 3,298 lives were saved when a passenger was put in danger by a moving train – for example, while trying to get on or off a moving train; slipping or falling with the risk of being thrown under the wheels; or cases of suicide attempts. As a result, 2,328 men were saved while the rest were women.

As part of “Operation Matrishakti”, a total of 163 cases were attended to and assistance was provided during childbirth, the ministry said.

News India Railways publishes year-end report: “400 men are detained every day for entering areas reserved for women”