Visakhapatnam: Subhadra Vahini, makes women's journey safe, hassle free

Visakhapatnam: In a step to make train journey safe and hassle-free for women, 'Subhadra Vahini,' the all women team, reaches out to those in distress and help them to resolve their woes.

On the occasion of the International Women's Day, the all women team, including V Mary, K S Ratnam, R Roja Rani, R Sunitha, Suman Devi, Bandana Singh, S M Mallick, Saritha Devi, A Laxmi and K M Douli bring cheer to many passengers as they recall their experience with the women-friendly personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) during their journey.

Formed in 2018, the special team at Visakhapatnam railway station comprising 10-women-army aims at providing safety and security to women and children in trains as well as at railway stations and prevent crime against them.

Last year, the 'women saviours' rescued 33 women in distress and made them reunite with their family members, while a few were sent to rescue homes. In addition, they came to the aid of 91 girls and 154 boys who ran away from home due to various reasons. Eventually, they were traced and handed over to police and Child Welfare Committee through 1098 child helpline service.

In 2019, the team with red overcoat came to the aid of a Class XII girl from Cooch Behar in West Bengal within three hours of receiving the information by RPF at Visakhapatnam railway station.

In addition to passenger security helpline-182, a WhatsApp group (8978080777) has been dedicated to redress the grievances and complaints filed by women passengers in real time basis. B Lakshmi, Assistant Professor, Department of Hindi, Government Degree College, Elamanchili, who is also a regular passenger, opined, "Subhadra Vahini is rendering exceptional service to women passengers. We are proud that such a team exists to redress women issues and definitely enhances our confidence while travelling alone in the train."

Arasada Swarna, another passenger added, "Inconvenience caused due to eve-teasing between Visakhapatnam and Anakapalle route has been controlled due to the presence of Subhadra Vahini. Thanks to the special team that monitors the stretch."

Apart from reaching out to the women in distress onboard the train, the all-women personnel also handle the CCTV control room and luggage scanner, among others at the station during peak hours.