In September 2025, the South Western Railway (SWR) reported that its Railway Protection Force (RPF) had reached out to more than two lakh women passengers under which of the following initiative, aimed at ensuring safety and comfort for women traveling alone?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Operation Meri Saheli

Explanation:

• Operation Meri Saheli is a flagship initiative of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched to provide enhanced safety and security to lady passengers travelling by trains for their entire journey.
• Under this initiative, a team of lady RPF personnel interacts with women passengers, especially those travelling alone, at the originating station.
• The team provides them with emergency contact numbers and briefs them about security measures available on the train.
• The South Western Railway (SWR) zone successfully scaled this operation, reaching out to over two lakh women by September 2025.
• The details of these passengers are shared with intermediate and destination stations to ensure continuous monitoring and assistance.

• The initiative was originally pilot-tested by the South Eastern Railway in September 2020 before being rolled out pan-India across all railway zones.
• Passengers can use the National Rail Helpline number 139 to report any security concerns or seek immediate help during their journey.

• It is a Ministry of Home Affairs initiative implemented in select cities to strengthen the safety of women in public places using technology like CCTV and drones.

• This is typically a community-based volunteer program often seen at the state level (like in Maharashtra) to create awareness about women's rights and safety.

• It is an integrated women empowerment program of the Ministry of Women and Child Development focusing on the safety, security, and empowerment of women.