SCR enhances security measures after attempted assault on woman in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In response to a recent attempted assault involving a 23-year-old woman who jumped from a moving MMTS train to escape near Kompally, Hyderabad, South Central Railway (SCR) has taken additional steps to improve passenger security.
Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager of SCR, held a review meeting on March 25, 2025, with officials and issued strict instructions to strengthen security measures across the city and suburban train sections. He explained the need for immediate implementation of these measures without compromise.
Key steps have been outlined, including the deployment of more female Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel on trains, especially in ladies' compartments and MMTS trains. Regular patrolling by RPF and GRP staff will also be ensured, particularly during late-night and early-morning hours.
Other measures include displaying emergency contact numbers in all ladies' coaches, including MMTS trains, and at prominent locations in stations. Awareness campaigns will be launched through announcements on the Public Address System, posters at stations, and digital platforms to inform passengers about safety protocols, helpline numbers, and reporting suspicious activities.
The coordination between RPF and GRP will be strengthened, with joint task forces formed to ensure swift response and investigation of crimes against women. "Meri Saheli" teams will also be deployed to assess security vulnerabilities in MMTS trains, focusing on high-risk routes.
Additional actions include mandatory checks and escorts for vulnerable trains or sections, with Station Officers tasked with deploying plainclothes officers in random trains based on crime history and complaints. Regular drives will be conducted under the Railway Act to remove intoxicated passengers and prevent men from traveling in women's compartments.
Other measures to ensure safety include well-lit trains and stations, with staff instructed to monitor coaches with lone female passengers closely and inform them of preventive security steps.
SCR Strengthens Security for Safe Travel
South Central Railway enhances security for passengers, especially women, in city & suburban trains. GM Arun Kumar Jain reviewed measures, directing strict implementation. More female RPF & GRP personnel to be deployed, patrolling in… pic.twitter.com/lhr8AHjf1l
— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) March 26, 2025
Future Plans for Women’s Security
1. Installation of CCTV cameras in all compartments, with real-time monitoring by RPF and GRP personnel.
2. Display screens inside trains to convey safety messages and important information to passengers.
3. Panic buttons in every ladies’ coach linked to the control room and train guard.
4. Integration of the existing security helpline (139) with a mobile app featuring a one-tap SOS option.
5. WhatsApp groups managed by female RPF staff to address women commuters’ grievances and emergencies promptly.
6. Issue of breath analyzers to RPF personnel to conduct on-the-spot tests for intoxicated passengers.
