Western Railway organized a Capacity Building Workshop on Anti Human Trafficking on 15th December, 2025. The workshop focused on the safety, rescue, rehabilitation and reuniting of women and children with their families. It marked an important step towards making railway premises safer, more sensitive and humane.
According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer, Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, the Capacity Building Workshop was jointly organized by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Western Railway in collaboration with National Commission for Women (NCW).
The dignitaries who graced the workshop included Chairperson, National Commission for Women, New Delhi, Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar; General Manager, Western Railway, Vivek Kumar Gupta; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mumbai Police, Smt. Ragasudha R. (IPS); Senior Advisor, Smt. Nishita Dubey; Inspector General-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner, RPF, Ajoy Sadany; Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai Central Division, Western Railway, Pankaj Singh. Senior Officers and staff of Western Railway, as well as distinguished resource persons were also present at the event.
The objective of the workshop was to enhance awareness on human trafficking prevention at sensitive locations such as railway stations and trains, strengthen inter-agency coordination, and develop a prompt and sensitive response mechanism. The workshop comprised of two technical sessions addressed by resource persons. Session I was focused on “Dimensions of Human Trafficking, Law and the Role of Enforcement Agencies”, while Session II was on “Strengthening Inter-Sectoral Convergence to Disrupt Human Trafficking Networks” which was followed by detailed discussions on the respective subjects.
Chairperson, National Commission for Women Smt. Vijaya Kishore Rahatkar, in her speech appreciated the sustained efforts of Western Railway in strengthening human trafficking prevention and women’s safety mechanisms across railway premises. She specifically applauded the “Meri Saheli” initiative of Indian Railways, including Western Railway, a dedicated safety programme wherein lady Railway Protection Force (RPF) teams provide security, guidance and assistance to women passengers, particularly those travelling alone. She stated that such initiatives significantly enhance confidence and trust among women passengers, making rail travel safer, more inclusive and women-friendly.
Smt. Rahatkar further emphasized the need for regular training and sensitization of Sahayaks (Coolies), housekeeping staff and other frontline ground staff at railway stations, who work round the clock and are often the first point of contact for passengers. She highlighted that these staff members can play a crucial role in the early identification of children, including young girls, who may be lost, runaway from home or in need of immediate assistance, thereby strengthening the overall protection and response framework at stations.
Addressing the gathering, General Manager, Western Railway, Vivek Kumar Gupta stated that the Railways are not merely a mode of transport but an important public system directly connected with society. He emphasized that ensuring the safety of women and children is an integral part of the Railways’ social responsibility, which requires vigilance, sensitivity and strong multi-agency coordination.
During the workshop, information was also shared on the initiatives undertaken by Western Railway under “Nanhe Farishte” and “Operation Dignity”. In the last two years, a total of 1,573 children, including 842 children during the year 2024 and 731 children during 2025 (till date), have been rescued from vulnerable situations, rehabilitated and reunited with their families. In addition, Child Help Desks have been established which are being effectively operated in coordination with the respective State Governments and District Child Protection Officers.
Western Railway, Railway Protection Force and the National Commission for Women remain committed to further strengthening training, awareness and inter-agency coordination to ensure the safety of women and children, prevent human trafficking and uphold humanitarian values.
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