Flaming question: Why is it so easy to burn trains? Because effective RPF, local police coordination is missing

News: Over 500 trains were cancelled recently following protests against Agnipath scheme. The cancellation follows instances of arson and wilful destruction of railway property.

Yet again, Indian Railways (IR) has been made collateral damage.

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 be stopped.

Who is responsible for security of Indian Railways (IR)?

IR’s security is overseen by its own force, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and backed by central legislation.

– RPF is empowered to arrest without a magistrate’s order and in 2019 its handpicked personnel were given commando training.

As trains crisscross states, state governments also come into the picture. Government Railway Police (GRP), and local police assist in safeguarding railway assets and passengers.

– GRP is funded equally by IR and states, but is under the administrative control of the local government.

Why IR’s security performance is still unsatisfactory?

It’s because of gaps in coordination with the state police.

This was examined in detail in a 2011 CAG performance audit of IR’s security.

– GRP and state police forces handle security of trains, tracks and railway premises, while RPF protects properties and consignments. The performance of local policing is influenced by a state government’s political signalling.

Consequently, the leeway agitations get has a direct impact on IR’s assets.

In this unfavourable environment, CAG’s report observed that a unified overseeing arrangement between RPF and state police is missing.

In short, there are coordination problems that IR has not addressed.

Way forward

RPF, headed by a police officer on deputation, needs to strengthen its coordination protocols with local police. Trains shouldn’t be such easy targets for arsonists.

Source: This post is based on the article “Flaming question: Why is it so easy to burn trains? Because effective RPF, local police coordination is missing” published in The Times of India on 20th June 22.