File picture of the women RPF wing at a march past during a railway event in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, Nov. 27: In a bid to prevent crime against women on railway premises and during train journeys, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) today launched a helpline number.

Women in distress can dial 08455885777 to seek help.

The authorities have also constituted a quick response team at the ECoR headquarters in the city to monitor untoward incidents and provide immediate assistance to aggrieved women passengers.

“Special squads consisting of woman cadre of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) have been constituted to keep a strict vigil on goons who create problems for women passengers inside trains and at various stations. A number of special task force teams will also conduct awareness drives in trains with special emphasis on the ladies’ compartments,” said a railway official.

Official statistics revealed that 438 cases have been prosecuted by the RPF in the ECoR jurisdiction between April and October this year under Section 162 of Railways Act. The act deals with unlawful entry into the carriage or other places reserved for women.

“Not just women, almost every person travelling by train encounters goons. Considering the number of people, who depend on the railways everyday, there should be more helpline numbers,” said Sabita Mohanty, 36, a teacher.

In August this year, the RPF had started a passenger awareness programme at the Bhubaneswar Railway Station to curb incidents of drug and loot.