In a major boost to passenger safety and security on the Central Railway network, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has achieved significant success through its intensified special drives, resulting in the apprehension of 1,367 touts as well as seizure of narcotics, tobacco, and illicit liquor worth Rs. 43.67 lakh. Also, lost luggage valued at Rs 3.09 crore has been returned to passengers.
RPF conducted simultaneous operations — ‘Operation Uplabdh’, ‘Operation Narcos’, ‘Operation Satark’, and ‘Operation Amanat’, — across all five divisions of Central Railway (Mumbai, Pune, Bhusaval, Nagpur, and Solapur) from January to April. These drives were aimed at curbing touting, preventing contraband smuggling, and ensuring passenger convenience and property protection.
Operation Uplabdh (Action against touts)
Under Operation Uplabdh, RPF launched a vigorous campaign against unauthorised entry, towel-spreading in reserved coaches, and touting activities that harass bona fide passengers. A total of 1,377 cases were registered and 1,367 persons were apprehended. Fines amounting to Rs. 2.87 lakh were recovered.
Mumbai Division led with 998 cases and 986 arrests (Rs. 1.84 lakh recovered), followed by Pune (191 cases, 183 arrests), Bhusaval (173 cases), Nagpur and Solapur.
Operations Narcos and Satark (War against contraband)
RPF displayed zero tolerance towards the misuse of trains for smuggling. Under Operation Narcos, 13 cases of illegal ganja transportation were detected, leading to the seizure of contraband worth Rs 21.92 lakh and the arrest of 10 offenders. Nagpur Division accounted for nine cases and seizures worth over Rs 17.18 lakh.
Simultaneously, under Operation Satark, RPF seized 16,286 kg of banned tobacco products worth Rs 5.61 lakh in four cases and 9.45 lakh ml of illicit liquor valued at Rs 16.14 lakh in 28 cases. In the liquor drive, Mumbai and Nagpur divisions recorded the maximum seizures.
Operation Amanat (Safe return of lost luggage)
RPF personnel recovered and handed over 744 pieces of lost luggage valued at Rs 3.09 crore to their rightful owners after proper verification under Operation Amanat. Mumbai Division topped the list with 228 pieces worth Rs 1.11 crore, followed by Nagpur and Bhusaval.
Speaking about the achievements, Central Railway RPF emphasised its commitment to providing a safe and secure travel environment.
Central Railway has appealed to passengers to travel only with valid tickets, avoid unauthorised agents, and immediately report any suspicious activity or unclaimed baggage to RPF personnel, Government Railway Police (GRP), or dial the helpline number 139.
