Operation Meri Saheli

Indian Railways has launched “Meri Saheli” initiative which aims for focused action on the security of women across all zones. The prime objective of the initiative is to provide security and a joyful travelling experience to the female passengers commuting by trains.

The authorities have taken up this initiative to provide a sense of safety to female passengers and take actions actively against any security-related issue that a woman might face or witness. “Meri Saheli” initiative was started in September 2020 as a pilot project in the South Eastern Railway (SER). It had received a good response from the women passengers. Therefore in October 2020 the railway board extended the operation to all zones.

Meri saheli initiative
This step was taken by the Railways Protection Force (RPF) which will involve interaction with women passengers especially the ones travelling alone by a team of young women RPF personnel. The team will visit all of the passenger coaches including ladies coaches to identify women passengers and also brief them about the necessary precautions to be taken during the journey. If they face any problem while travelling in the coach, female passengers can dial 182. Besides the train passengers will also be briefed about Government Railway Police (GRP) security helpline number 1512 as well as other precautions like not to take food from strangers, buying food from only authorized IRCTC stalls, taking care of luggage etc.

The passenger details will be conveyed to enroute railway divisions and zones so that the authorities can meet the passengers at their convenience till they reach their final destination. At the end of the journey feedback will also be collected from the female passengers regarding their experience and safety measures taken.

With the festive season just around the corner the authorities are anticipating a rush at railways stations. The increase in footfall at stations and trains has necessitated the launch of a focused initiative across all zones for the safety and security of women passengers. This unique initiative has been primarily introduced in two trains by the Western Railway zone i.e. train no. 02955 Mumbai Central Jaipur (Gangaur) Covid 19 Special and 02925 Paschim (Deluxe) Express Covid 19 Special. The "Meri Saheli" initiative will not only provide safety & security to women passengers but also will provide them mental peace and a comfortable & happy travelling experience.

To delve more about the operation Meri Saheli, read onto the official circular released by the Ministry of Railways on the Meri Saheli initiative. Isn’t this a commendable initiative by the Indian Railways? Tell us your views in the comments below. For an easy-peasy experience, book your train tickets through the Trainman app. Download the Trainman App to check PNR Status of the booked ticket, Running Status of special trains, Seat Availability and many such spellbound features.