Railway Security Helpline for Emergency
Social media Twitter account @rpfswr is available for registering security related complaints and redressal on real-time basis. 116 security related complaints were redressed during 2016.
An Android app ‘SWR Security App’ has been developed by RPF to help the passengers in need of security help. The same can be downloaded from the Google play store. The app has six basic functions like-report a crime; lodge a complaint, passenger feedback, security helpline, contact emergency assistance and useful information.
Integrated Security System (ISS) is implemented for enhancing security at Bengaluru, Yesvantpur and Mysuru Stations. Video Surveillance System commissioned for PRS, Booking offices, Parcel offices & Cloak Rooms at Bengaluru, Yesvantpur, Mysuru, Bellary, Hospet, Dharwad, Belgam, Vasco-da-gamam, Bijapur & Hubballi Stations.
To enhance security at Stations, Video Survelliance System under Nirbhaya Fund will be provided in the important stations over SWR.
- 12 stations over Hubballi division at a cost of Rs.5.721 Crs
- 11 stations over Bengaluru division at a cost of Rs.5.493 Crs
- 8 stations over Mysuru division at a cost of Rs.3.96 Crs
SWR is adopting innovative measures to improve the security & safety of passengers in trains as well as at sensitive stations. An innovative pattern of escort has been introduced during the year 2016-17 under the name “Operation Night Hawk”, in which a group of minimum 12 RPF personnel escort a particular train and create a safe and secured environment to passengers. Passengers are briefed to be alert so as to prevent Theft of Passenger Belongings, Drugging & other offences. On an average 25 trains per day are being escorted and aprox 1,000 passengers were interacted with.
In addition to providing security to passengers SWR Security personnel are discharging responsibility of rescuing children runaway from their homes/went missing and found on platforms and trains. These children are then being handed over to various NGOs, Police who are thereafter reunited with their parents.
| Year | Boys | Girls | ||||
| NGO | Police | Parents | NGO | Police | Parents | |
| 2016 | 150 | 05 | 83 | 36 | 08 | 20 |
| 2017 (up to March) | 37 | 02 | 16 | 10 | 03 | 02 |
RPF Personnel are recovering left over luggage, electronic gadgets, gold ornaments & cash of passengers and are returning them to the rightful owners.
The details of such recovery made are as under;
| Year | Bags, Vanity bags, Purses | Mobiles/ Laptops electronic | Cash | Gold Ornaments |
| 2016 | 77 | 53 | Rs.1,40,387 | Rs.10,56,500 |
| 2017 (up to March) | 31 | 11 | Rs.31,800 | Rs.5,70,000 |
PROSECUTION UNDER RAILWAY ACT:
Railway Protection Force are arresting and prosecuting offenders involved in chain pulling, illegal hawkers, nuisance creators, trespassers, foot board travelling, entry of men in women coaches etc.
| Year | Offenders arrested | Fine realized |
| 2016 | 34337 | Rs. 94,73,305 |
| 2017 (up to March) | 8519 | Rs. 29,10,370 |
Drive against smokers:
| Year | u/s 25 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003 RPF officials | u/s 167 of Railway Act by Magistrate | ||
| No of persons | Fine amount | No of persons | Fine amount | |
| 2016 | 4799 | 9,59,800 | 2074 | 2,28,600 |
| 2017 (up to March) | 784 | 1,56,800 | 439 | 39,250 |
Indian Railways provides two dedicated helplines for passenger emergencies and security-related assistance:
☎️ 1. For Medical or Security Emergencies: Rail Madad – 139
- Dial 139, the integrated Rail Madad helpline, operational 24×7 across India
- For security or medical emergencies, press 1 in the interactive IVRS menu to speak immediately with an executive
- The service is multilingual (12 languages) and accessible from any mobile or landline, without requiring a smartphone
- Real-life use cases:
“Called it and they responded so fast. Upon arriving at the next station, railway police and doctors were already there by 1:30 AM…”
“Call 139 or lodge a complaint on Rail Madad” after encountering harassment on a train
2. For Railway Security Incidents: Helpline 182
- Dial 182 to report incidents like thefts, harassment, suspicious activities, or other crimes aboard trains or at stations — these are handled directly by the Railway Protection Force (RPF)
- The number is valid nationwide and connects you to the geographically relevant RPF control room
- Help for minor girls or vulnerable passengers can also be relayed through 139, as in the case of Operation Nanhe Farishte, where RPF was alerted via helpline to rescue children in distress
🧭 When to Use Which Helpline
| Situation | Use Helpline 139 (Rail Madad) | Use Helpline 182 (RPF Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical emergencies (heart attack, injuries) | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not intended for medical response |
| Security incident (harassment, theft, eve teasing) | ✅ Yes (press 1) and get connected | ✅ Also direct RPF line |
| Suspicious behavior or crime in train/station | ✅ Yes (via Rail Madad) | ✅ Yes — directly RPF |
| Find lost / missing child | ✅ Yes, leads to RPF response | — |
✅ Quick Reference
- Dial 139 → press 1 for immediate security or medical help via Rail Madad.
- Dial 182 → connect directly with RPF for cases like theft, harassment, or suspicious activity.
📢 Useful Community Tips
From Reddit users:
“Call 139 or lodge a complaint on Rail Madad” for harassment cases
“Call 182” if a gold chain was stolen—they recommend providing PNR, coach, and berth details
Rail Madad and RPF helplines are your direct lines to urgent help during your journey—don’t hesitate to use them when needed.
Would you like guidance on lodging complaints via the Rail Madad app or contacting local GRP units for state-specific support?
