Security app for MMTS travellers a big hit

Utility of the android mobile application, RISSTA (Railway Interactive Security Solution for Traveller’s Assistance), has met with positive results. The app, which was launched by South Central Railway on June 4, is meant for security of MMTS passengers for issues like harassment of women and misconduct in boarding or travelling.

During the last two months, more than 1,000 passengers have downloaded the app, and eighty-six cases have been solved using it. The ‘Help’ button allows users to send a complaint by entering the train number, location and coach details, which is registered at the nearest police station. Users can also send pictures of miscreants. What is more, the complainant details are kept a secret.

Police have been reported to respond within five minutes of the problem being reported with the use of the app’s ‘Help’ button. In an incident dated June 9, a complaint was registered at 9.01 am, at Hitec City, by Anil, who was travelling in general coach of train number 47176 (Lingampally to Falaknuma MMTS). An automatic message was conveyed to the next three MMTS stations.

Consequently, home guard of RPF (Railway Protection Force), KS Naidu rushed to the scene, at Bharath Nagar MMTS station. Anil had complained about obstruction of movement at the entrance by some people. The mischief-makers were cleared at 9.05 am. Railway officials are now planning to propagate this initiative in long distance trains.

There is also a helpline number (182), which was introduced last year for passengers who travel in long distances. The helpline has registered thirty-seven, fifty-two and thirty-two cases in May, June and July, respectively.

By:V Satish