Sat Mar 08 05:29:17 UTC 2025: ## Indian Railways Equips Women RPF Personnel with Chilli Spray for Enhanced Safety

**New Delhi, March 8, 2025** – In observance of International Women’s Day, Indian Railways announced it is equipping its Railway Protection Force (RPF) women personnel with chilli spray cans, bolstering their safety and security measures. This initiative aims to empower women officers to better deter threats, respond to harassment, and manage emergencies, particularly in remote or isolated locations.

Director General of RPF, Manoj Yadav, stated that the move aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women and creating safer public spaces. He highlighted the RPF’s commitment to improving the travel experience for women passengers and praised the women personnel as symbols of strength, care, and resilience.

The RPF, boasting the highest proportion of women (9%) among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), employs many women in its ‘Meri Saheli’ initiative. These teams interact with nearly 12,900 female passengers daily, providing security and reassurance. Their duties extend beyond security; they frequently assist distressed passengers, including expectant mothers, as evidenced by their assistance in 174 births onboard trains in 2024 alone under ‘Operation Matrishakti’.

This addition of chilli spray to their equipment underscores the Indian Railways’ dedication to prioritizing passenger safety, particularly the safety of women travellers.

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