Nashik: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, attended the 40th Raising Day Parade of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) as the Chief Guest today at the RPF Zonal Training Centre in Nashik. The event celebrated the dedication and exemplary service of RPF personnel, culminating in the felicitation of 33 members who received the prestigious Police Medals for Meritorious Service and Jeevan Raksha Medals for their heroic efforts in saving passengers’ lives during 2023 and 2024.
During his address, Minister Vaishnaw commended the RPF for its proactive approach in adopting modern technology to enhance security measures across the railway network. He announced a significant grant of ₹35 crores for the upgradation and modernization of RPF Zonal Training Centres, emphasizing improved facilities, especially for women personnel. An additional ₹5.5 crore was sanctioned for the Zonal Training Centre for the RPF Dog Squad in Tamil Nadu to bolster specialized training infrastructure.
In a ceremonial highlight, Minister Vaishnaw took the salute during the parade, showcasing the discipline and commitment of the force. He also launched the Hindi edition of the ‘Sangyaan’ mobile application, designed to enhance internal communication among RPF personnel. Furthermore, he released Hindi versions of reference books on three newly enacted criminal laws to bolster the legal knowledge of the RPF workforce.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vaishnaw stated that the Prime Minister has been instrumental in the transformative journey of Indian Railways. He shared impressive statistics, noting that 5,300 km of new rail lines were laid last year, with a total of 31,000 km added over the past decade. The electrification of 40,000 km of railways in the same period marks a significant advancement, double that achieved in the previous 60 years.
The Minister outlined Indian Railways’ vision to provide safe, comfortable, and affordable travel through modern trains like the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains, along with enhanced safety features such as Kavach. He revealed plans for the manufacturing of approximately 12,500 General Class coaches to improve travel convenience for passengers.
Shri Manoj Yadava, Director General of RPF, and other senior officials, including Shri Dharam Veer Meena, General Manager of Central Railway, were present at the ceremony. The Raising Day Parade is a significant occasion for RPF members and their families, reaffirming their commitment to public service and celebrating their achievements.
The RPF is entrusted with safeguarding railway property, ensuring passenger safety, and has become a compassionate force dedicated to helping vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals. The force plays a crucial role in national security by combating terrorism, fighting crime, aiding law enforcement, and maintaining law and order, especially during elections.
With its motto of “Yasho Labhaswa” or “Attain Glory,” the Railway Protection Force remains steadfast in its commitment to the nation, embodying the spirit of “Sewa Hi Sankalp.” Their relentless dedication and hard work are pivotal in ensuring a safe and secure travel experience for millions of railway passengers across India.