Steps up passenger safety measures, returns valuables worth Rs. 44.8 lakh

Mysore/Mysuru: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) continued its efforts to ensure the safety and security of railway passengers and property, recording several achievements across operations in February 2026.

According to a press release from Dr. Manjunath Kanamadi, Chief Public Relations Officer, South Western Railway, Hubballi, RPF personnel worked round- the-clock to safeguard passenger areas, assist travellers and support railways in providing reliable freight services.

Under ‘Operation Nanhe Faristheh,’ the RPF rescued 51 children, including 39 boys and 12 girls, who were separated from their families for various reasons. The children, identified as needing care and protection, were rescued and later handed over to their families or to NGOs and Police after                               due procedures.

As part of ‘Operation Dignity,’ RPF rescued an elderly woman who required care and ensured that she was handed over to her family members or an NGO following verification.

Through the women-centric ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative, the RPF continued to ensure the safety of single and unaccompanied female passengers.

Under this programme, details of passengers’ seats and berths are shared with RPF teams at stations for real-time monitoring and assistance, while feedback is collected at destination stations. At present, 32 trains are covered under the initiative.

In a drive against ticket touts under ‘Operation Uplabdh,’ RPF teams conducted checks at travel agencies and other locations across Karnataka and Goa.

During the operations, 23 touts were arrested in 23 cases under Section 143 of Railways Act. Officials seized 48 live tickets worth Rs. 77,804 and 65 used tickets valued at Rs. 97,496.

The RPF also carried out operations to detect contraband. Under ‘Operation Satark’, officials detected seven liquor cases and seized 142 bottles (about 100 litres) worth Rs. 63,346, which were later handed over to the Excise Department.

Under ‘Operation Narco,’ seven cases were registered, leading to seizure of 57 kg of ganja valued at Rs. 2.71 lakh and the arrest of three offenders, who were handed over to Government Railway Police and Excise authorities for further action.

RPF also responded to passenger complaints and recovered misplaced or left-behind belongings such as laptops, mobile phones and other valuables on 58 occasions. Items worth about Rs. 44.8 lakh were traced and returned to owners.

As part of routine security measures, around 32 to 35 express and special trains were escorted daily by 90 to 95 RPF personnel across the zone to ensure passenger safety through continuous vigilance.

Under the provisions of the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966, the RPF registered three cases, arrested seven and recovered stolen railway property worth Rs. 38,458.

Additional General Manager P. Ananth has appreciated the efforts of RPF personnel for their dedication and reiterated the shared responsibility of ensuring the safety and well-being of every railway passenger.