September 15, 2025

HUBBALLI: Imagine a safety net made just for women traveling alone on trains! South Western Railway’s Railway Protection Force (RPF) has cooked up something special called Operation Meri Saheli, launched back in November 2020. This sparkling initiative is all about making women passengers feel safe, secure, and cared for throughout their journey. What’s the magic recipe? First, special teams made up only of lady RPF officers are placed on trains. These heroes assist women with boarding and getting off the train, provide crucial support during emergencies, and ensure comfort all along the ride. “Confidence-building measures have greatly enhanced women passengers’ sense of safety and trust in rail travel,” boasts South Western Railway in an official statement. Currently, 250 devoted Meri Saheli teams are on the ground, attending to around 500 trains every single day. That’s nearly 13,000 women passengers who get a helping hand and friendly support. In total, RPF teams have interacted with 2,08,869 single women travelers on 4,869 trains, providing assistance and ensuring their safety. Within just South Western Railway limits, 10 Meri Saheli teams with 25 RPF personnel are actively working to make sure women travel without worries. They not only help with safe boarding and alighting but also share important information throughout the journey and quickly jump to action if any emergency pops up. What’s more, information about single women travelers is shared ahead of time with railway stations and headquarters along the train’s route. This clever planning allows teams everywhere to be ready with checks and support. Plus, after every journey, women passengers are asked for feedback so the service can keep improving. South Western Railway proudly calls Operation Meri Saheli “one of the most successful women-centric safety initiatives of Indian Railways.” With proactive engagement, timely help, and strong presence, this program has built a secure, comfortable, and confident travel experience for women. So ladies, next time you travel alone by train, remember — Meri Saheli’s got your back!

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Tags: Operation meri saheli, Railway protection force, Women safety, South western railway, Women passengers, Indian railways,