Question : STRENGTH OF RAILWAY PROTECTION FORCE

(a) whether the Railways are planning to create additional posts in Railway Protection Force (RPF) to cope with mounting security concern over passenger safety and railway property;

(b) if so, the number of additional security personnel targeted to be recruited in RPF along with the steps being taken in this regard;

(c) whether there are some posts in various categories lying vacant in RPF;

(d) if so, the measures taken by the Railways to fill the vacant posts;

(e) the total number of such stations in the country where not a single RPF personnel is posted;

(f) whether the Railways propose to grant more powers to the RPF to tackle organised criminals as well as gangs;

(g) if so, the details thereof;

(h) whether the Railways have constructed RPF stations; and

(i) if not, the reasons there for and the time by when these police stations are likely to be constructed?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI R. VELU)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): Proposal for creation of 2661 additional posts in the non gazetted cadre of Railway protection Force (RPF) has been approved by the Ministry of Railways as an interim measure. The proposal is, however, pending with Ministry of Finance for ratification.

(c): Yes, Sir.

(d): The vacancies of Constables in RPF have been notified and the process of recruitment is underway. The vacancies of Sub-Inspectors in RPF will also be notified very soon and the recruitment will begin thereafter.

(e): 6613 stations where RPF personnel are not posted on permanent basis. However, they are deputed from jurisdictional RPF Posts/ out Posts as and when situation demands.

(f)&(g): RPF personnel have legal responsibilities of enquiry and prosecution under the Railway Protection (Unlawful Possession) Act and the Railways Act. Situation is reviewed by the Government periodically and requisite action is taken.

(h)&(i): Yes, Sir. There are 783 RPF posts and 606 RPF out posts having territorial jurisdiction over the length and breadth of the Indian Railways.