- It’s a common phenomenon observed in India whenever any burning issues lead to widespread violence destroying public properties. Especially the trains are in the firing line as the anti-social elements invariably target destroying the country’s lifeline by indulging in arson. The recent protests against the Agnipath scheme of the Central Government for the armed forces saw violence breaking out in some of the Hindi heartland states. And who bore the brunt of the protests, the Indian Railways (IR), and who else. As you are aware, over 500 trains were canceled just a few days back following relentless protests by the youth. The cancellation follows instances of arson and wilful destruction of railway property last week.
PC: Railsamachar
- Needless to mention, the Indian Railways has been made collateral damage yet again. In the pre-pandemic period, IR carried about 22 million passengers a day, a measure of the scale of its importance. Cancellations not only directly inconvenience millions but undermine the economy as railway rakes transport 3.3 million tons of freight daily, mainly coal. This senseless destruction and related disruption should not be shrugged off. IR is the lightning rod of protests primarily because of its importance. You see, disrupting railway service attracts wide attention. While IR is unconnected to the cause of violence, can it do better in protecting its assets? IR’s security is overseen by its own force, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and backed by central legislation.
- Mind you, as trains crisscross states, state governments also come into the picture. Government Railway Police (GRF), funded equally by IR and states but under the administrative control of the local government, and local police assist in safeguarding railway assets and passengers. Of course, RPF doesn’t lack attention. It’s not only empowered to arrest without a magistrate’s order, in 2019 handpicked personnel were given commando training as well. If IR’s security performance is still unsatisfactory, it’s because of gaps in coordination with the state police. This was highlighted in detail in a 2011 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) performance audit of IR’s security. Let us delve further into the working mechanics of the forces.
PC: SimiTech
- GRP and state police forces handle the security of trains, tracks, and railway premises, while RPF protects properties and consignments. A state government’s political signaling influences the performance of local policing. Consequently, the leeway agitations get has a direct impact on IR’s assets. What is conspicuously lacking is a unified overseeing of arrangement between RPF and state police. Yes, there are coordination problems that IR has not addressed even now. Who is affected? The common citizens and IR’s revenue generation. Thus, RPF, headed by a police officer on deputation, needs to strengthen its coordination protocols with local police to ensure arsonists are kept at bay. Trains can’t be such easy targets for arsonists.
