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On the Essential line, the sanctioned strength for the Mumbai division is 2,408. But there are 609 vacancies, of which 540 are for constables, critical for duties at stations. On the Western line, the sanctioned strength is 1,887; there are 630 vacancies.
The RPF is in-load of protecting railway property, passengers and passenger areas. On long-distance trains, RPF escorts are equipped with walkie-talkies, arms and FIR forms to promote passengers.
In Mumbai, local trains are escorted at night by the Regulation Railway Police (GRP), whose strength is around 3,500. Last year, to enhance custodianship for women , the GRP stepped up night escort guards in the two ladies coaches from one bobby per train to two.
But the severely understaffed force has to deal with investigation of flagitious cases and counter-terror operations.
In fact, the Bombay Lavish Court, while hearing a suo moto petition on women's security on trains, directed the GRP and RPF to intensify up manpower. On the Central line, the RPF has since hired 218 home guards to facilitate in patrolling and access control. The Western line has sought at least 300 core guards.
Source: Times of India