Railway Protection Force (RPF) & its mandate

• The RPF was originally called “Watch & Ward”.
• It was in 1957 that the Railway Protection Force Act was enacted by the Parliament.
• It is responsible for the maintenance and security of Indian Railways.
• It is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways.

The primary responsibilties of RPF are: 

• Escorting of passenger trains in vulnerable areas.
• Providing access control, regulation and general security on the platforms, in passenger areas and circulating areas.
• To protect and safeguard railway property, passenger area and passengers.
• To remove any obstruction in the movement of railway property or passenger area
• To do any other act conducive to the better protection and security of railway property, passenger area and passenger.
• To investigate and prosecute in offences covered under the act and to arrest without warrant for the unlawful possession of railway property.
• The offenders are booked under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act,1966.
• To perform other functions of an armed force of the Union and to exercise powers of a railway servant as conferred by or under the Indian Railways Act, 1890.
• To identify potential situations where crime can take place (against railway property, be it static, in-transit or mobile) and effect remedial measures.
• Facilitate passenger-travel and security by removing all anti-social elements from trains, railway premises and passenger area.
• Remain vigilant to prevent trafficking in women and children and take appropriate action to rehabilitate destitute children found in Railway areas.

Read More: Security Forces and Their Mandate

• Co-operate with other departments of the Railways in improving the efficiency and image of the Indian Railways.
• Act as a bridge between the Government Railway Police/ local police and the Railway administration.
• Adopt proactively all modern technology, best human rights practices, management techniques and special measures for protection of female and elderly passengers and children, in the pursuit of these objectives.
• To register and take up enquires under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966, apprehend the offenders & participate in subsequent legal proceedings.

Source: Wikipedia