The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is a security force, established by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957; enacted by the Indian Parliament for "the better protection and security of railway property".
It has the power to search, arrest, investigate and prosecute, though the ultimate power rests in the hands of the Government Railway Police. The force is under the authority of the Indian Ministry of Railways.
Objectives
- "to protect and safeguard railway property and to combat crime against it;
- "to do any other act conducive to better protection and security of railway property;
- "to remove any obstruction in the movement of railway property; and
- "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 effective 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.
- 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 the 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.
