When thieves, alms-seekers derail joy of train journeys

One of the biggest problems faced by passengers is the cumbersome procedure involved in registering a complaint. Most do not know whether to complain to RPF (Railway Protection Force) or GRP (Government Railway Police). Registering cases of theft in running trains remains a herculean task as complaints are registered at the destination and then transferred to the jurisdiction station. 

Rachel from Hyderabad lost her valuables valued at Rs 40,000 while travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to Hyderabad. When asked about her experience, she says, “My belongings were snatched near Renigunta station at midnight and there was nobody to help as all were sleeping. I informed the TTE who contacted the Renigunta station who told him that I could lodge my complaint in Hyderabad. The case was transferred to Renigunta and most of my belongings were recovered 11 months later. I did not face any hassle in getting my case registered.” 

A senior GRP official said, “We are here to help the public. Unnecessary hassles might occur when those affected do not know how to seek redressal of grievances.” But similar to their regular counterparts who are loathe to register fresh cases as this leads to increased work and accountability to higher- ups, there have been occasions when influence was necessary to register cases.

This problem is even more compounded for commuters using the Beach – Tambaram or the Arakkonam -Chennai Central EMUs (Electrical Multiple Units) who are usually harassed by traders, alms-seekers and of course, thieves. Items sold in EMUs include vegetables, fruits, kerchiefs, pens, pencils, wallets, plastic ration card holders, knives, pen torches, books and toys.

When contacted, a senior railway official said, “Most regular sellers have season tickets, but it is meant for travelling and not selling. Periodic raids result in defaulters being fined, but they go back to their job as they earn well and are not bothered by our actions.”

But thieves are another matter. While there are many pickpockets, not many are caught. A senior railway official said GRP handles track deaths and related offences while RPF are for railway related duties, including train passenger safety.

GRP are state government employees, whereas RPF are central government employees. A GRP sub inspector said “We operate in railway station limits and retrieval of stolen goods is usually around 60 per cent. Even when the thief gets away from the station, we follow up and do the needful. Many of us have been given awards for good work in solving theft cases.”