RPF ‘Shakti Teams’ emerge as symbol of safety for women passengers in South Central Railway

The RPF women’s ‘Shakti Teams’ in Secunderabad Division are winning praise for protecting women passengers on trains and stations. Honoured nationally and by Telangana government, these patrol squads deter crime, assist passengers, and spread safety awareness, making rail travel more secure

Hyderabad: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) women’s units in Secunderabad Division, popularly known as the ‘Shakti Teams’, are being recognised as a symbol of safety and empowerment for women passengers, protecting them on trains and railway premises across the South Central Railway (SCR) network.

These all-women patrol squads have been at the forefront of crime prevention on trains and railway stations, responding swiftly to distress calls, assisting vulnerable passengers, and maintaining a visible security presence.

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Their proactive work has drastically improved confidence among women commuters, particularly during late-night journeys. The team had also recently gained national recognition after winning the FICCI Smart Policing Award 2025 in the Women’s Safety category, standing out among more than a hundred entries from police and paramilitary forces across the country.

Earlier, the Telangana government too had honoured the ‘Shakti Teams’ during International Women’s Day celebrations, acknowledging their role in safeguarding women and children. Special squads named ‘Rudramma’ and ‘Nagamma’ were particularly commended for their relentless vigilance.

Beyond their policing duties, the Shakti Teams also play an outreach role by educating passengers on helpline services, seeking to create awareness about women’s safety, apart from building trust with regular passengers.

With women officers now heading several key departments in SCR, the RPF Secunderabad’s women teams represent a growing shift towards inclusivity and leadership in security services.

SCR officials say the initiative will be further expanded, with more resources and training aimed at making train journeys safer for women.

The Impact of the RPF Shakti Teams

*Marked a proactive step in elevating railway security, particularly for women.

*Enhanced surveillance and rapid response capabilities on trains and at railway stations.

*Visible presence that reassures women passengers and deters potential misconduct.

*Created a supportive infrastructure, enabling safer travel through key junctions across the Secunderabad Division.

*Provides real-time protection.

*Serves as an inspiring model of empowerment within law enforcement.