Northeast Frontier Railway steps up protection for minors, women

• DIMAPUR — The Railway Protection Force (RPF) under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has achieved notable success in their effort to safeguard vulnerable passengers and curb human trafficking.
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• Between April 1 and 15, the RPF rescued 71 minors and two women, handing them over safely to Childline, NGOs, parents, and local authorities for further assistance, the NFR stated in a press release.
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• As part of the crackdown against crime, the RPF also arrested a human trafficker and another kidnapper during these operations; both were handed over to the concerned GRP/Police authorities for further legal proceedings.

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• On April 9 at New Jalpaiguri Railway Station, an RPF team apprehended a human trafficker. In this operation, three minor boys were rescued. The apprehended trafficker along with the rescued minors was handed over to IC/GRP/New Jalpaiguri, where a case under relevant sections of Child Labour Prohibition and Regulation Act was registered.
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• Similarly, on April 3, the RPF post at Kishanganj rescued 10 runaway minor boys hailing from various districts of Bihar and West Bengal at Kishanganj Railway Station. All rescued minors were safely handed over to Child Line, Kishanganj, for proper rehabilitation and counselling.
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• On April 7 at North Lakhimpur Railway Station, team from RPF Post, Harmuti, rescued a runaway minor girl. After proper verification, she was handed over to her family member, ensuring her safe return home.
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• Additionally, on April 10, the team of RPF Post Alipurduar Junction along with SIB team of Alipurduar, rescued four runaway minors, including two girls, at Alipurduar Junction Railway Station. These minors were subsequently handed over to Child Line, Alipurduar for safe custody.
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• Under the “Meri Saheli” initiative, aimed at ensuring the safety of women passengers travelling alone, the RPF lady squads made remarkable efforts during March 2025. The squads assisted a total of 1,220 lone lady passengers across the NFR, ensuring their safe journey. They also rescued a minor girl and another woman.
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• “The Railway Protection Force of Northeast Frontier Railway remains deeply committed to enhancing passenger security, especially for women and children, through proactive vigilance, timely interventions and continuous passenger-friendly initiatives,” the release stated.