Railways launch drive against footboard travel on trains

The Southern Railway has launched a drive to prevent unauthorised travel and footboard travel onboard trains, apart from trespassing. The drive has been launched against the backdrop of an incident in which a woman sustained critical injuries after being allegedly pushed off a moving train near Varkala on Sunday. As part of strengthening the onboard vigilance, special attention is being given to general coaches, SLRs (seating-cum-luggage rake), and vestibule areas to prevent passengers from standing near doorways or on footboards.

Helpline no. is 139

Passengers should remain alert, avoid altercations with fellow passengers, and immediately report any abnormal behaviour or suspicious activity through the Rail Madad Helpline – 139, said a statement issued by the Railways. To prevent crime against women passengers, five dedicated “Meri Saheli” teams — comprising trained RPF personnel — are functioning at Nagercoil, Thiruvananthapuram South, Thiruvananthapuram North, Ernakulam South, Ernakulam North, and Thrissur railway stations, the statement added.

In 2025, the railway protection force (RPF), Thiruvananthapuram, arrested six offenders involved in crimes against women and handed them over to the railway police and local police. In addition, the railway and local police have arrested and prosecuted 34 offenders for similar offences. Around 601 offenders were also booked by RPF on charges of unauthorised travel in coaches earmarked for women, said the statement.