Patna: Danapur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) on Wednesday launched ‘Rail Saathi’, a community policing initiative by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) aimed at building trust and strengthening cooperation between railway security personnel and people living around railway tracks and station areas.The initiative focuses on bridging the gap between RPF personnel and local communities by establishing direct communication with resident, especially those living near railway premises. Under ‘Rail Saathi’, RPF personnel are interacting with children, youths, parents and local representatives to create awareness about railway safety and encourage public participation in preventing unlawful activities, said Danapur senior divisional commercial manager (senior DCM) Abhinav Siddarth .According to Siddarth, the initiative would help develop a strong network of community members who can act as partners in identifying and reporting anti-social activities, trespassing, vandalism and other security-related concerns around railway tracks and stations. Through regular interactions and awareness programmes, RPF personnel are educating local residents about the dangers of crossing railway tracks, stone pelting, unauthorised entry into railway areas and other activities that can endanger passengers as well as railway property, he said.“The Rail Saathi initiative is expected to promote a sense of shared responsibility among citizens and railway authorities for ensuring safe and secure train operations across the division,” senior DCM said.
