Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Definition

An armed force of the Union under the Ministry of Railways, mandated to protect railway property, passenger areas, and passengers, and to ensure the security of rail travel.

Key points

• It is governed by the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957, and functions under the Ministry of Railways, not the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Its primary role is the protection and security of railway property and passenger zones; the Railway Protection Special Force is its armed wing.
• Policing of crime within trains and stations (theft, law and order) is generally the domain of the Government Railway Police, which is a State police unit, while the RPF handles railway property and passenger security.
• It runs initiatives for the safety of women and children travelling by rail, such as "Operation Nanhe Farishte" and "Meri Saheli".
• It is one of the central armed forces but is not counted among the five CAPFs under the MHA.

Why it matters for CAPF

It is a commonly confused force in internal-security and institutions questions; knowing it sits under the Ministry of Railways and is distinct from the CAPFs is a useful discriminator.

Common confusion

The RPF (Railways) protects railway property and passenger security; the Government Railway Police (a State force) handles crime in trains and stations. The RPF is not one of the five MHA CAPFs.

Related concepts

concept central industrial security force, concept central armed police forces overview

Parent note

human rights and internal security