The 8th All India Conference of Government Railway Police (GRP) Chiefs, convened by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), concluded successfully in New Delhi on 23 October 2026. It provided a platform for discussing emerging security challenges, sharing best practices and strengthening coordination among RPF, GRP and State Police.
The high-level conference was presided over by Director General, RPF, Ms. Sonali Mishra, and attended by Chairman and CEO, Railway Board, Shri Satish Kumar, members of the Railway Board, and GRP chiefs from various States and Union Territories.
A key highlight was the onboarding of GRP personnel onto the RailMadad platform by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), aimed at improving passenger grievance redressal, timely information-sharing and complaint monitoring.
Detailed deliberations were held on various initiatives aimed at enhancing railway security and passenger safety.
South Central Railway’s “Pink Patrol: Eyes in the Sky, SHAKTI on the Ground” showcased a women-led model integrating drone-assisted surveillance with rapid-response teams under the SHAKTI framework.
Stone-pelting on trains was highlighted as a challenge, with emphasis on hotspot-based patrolling, enhanced surveillance, strict action against offenders, youth outreach and stronger RPF-GRP coordination. Community awareness and preventive engagement were recognised as important deterrents.
The conference also deliberated on crowd management during Diwali, Chhath and other festivals. Northern Railway’s Delhi Division highlighted coordinated efforts with Delhi Police, GRP and Delhi Metro authorities, supported by CCTV surveillance, public announcements, barricading, designated holding areas and dedicated control rooms. Emphasis was laid on advance planning, efficient passenger-flow management and coordinated deployment of security personnel to ensure safe and orderly passenger movement during peak periods.
Central Railway’s Pune Division highlighted Project DISHA (Dedicated Initiative for Safety, Harmony & Awareness), an initiative aimed at engaging children living near railway tracks through educational and recreational activities, safety awareness sessions and community-based interventions. Collaboration with NGOs, National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and local communities fosters awareness about railway safety and responsible behaviour, while discouraging stone-pelting, theft, trespassing and other unsafe practices.
Deliberations also covered joint RPF-GRP training, sabotage prevention and prompt information-sharing on narcotics detection. Digital evidence handling, standardised procedures, intelligence-sharing, strengthened investigative capabilities and supporting infrastructure were emphasised.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairman and CEO, Railway Board, highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts, technological advancements, innovation and a shared commitment among railway authorities, RPF, GRP and State Police to effectively address the evolving security challenges on Indian Railways. He also emphasised the need to build passenger confidence, ensure courteous and professional policing, and leverage technology and innovation to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by DG/RPF, who emphasised the need for intelligence-led policing to strengthen railway security.
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Manik Sharma