Prayagraj: RPF personnel taking care of men and machine

PRAYAGRAJ: In the present Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown, Railway Protection Force (RPF) of the North Central Railway (NCR) has changed its role and has come out with a more humane approach, besides performing the routine duty of securing railway installations and assets.
The chief public relation officer (CPRO) of NCR, Ajeet Kumar Singh informed that in its changed role, RPF NCR is serving food to underprivileged people in the areas surrounding railway stations of the entire zone including Prayagraj and its satellite stations, Fatehpur, Kanpur central, Etawah, Tundla, Aligarh, Agra Cantt, Mathura, Jhansi etc.
At the same time to ensure the security of railway assets and rolling stock, RPF have taken several steps. 303 RPF personnel have been deputed to guard the 18 loaded and 99 empty goods rakes, 110 passenger trains rakes and 206 locos that are stranded or stabled at different places over NCR region.
RPF personnel are also escorting goods train loaded with food grains and parcel specials. Since March, 31, approximately 50 goods train loaded with food grain and 14 parcel trains with piecemeal items have been escorted by RPF so far.
RPF NCR is keeping track of individuals who are using tracks to travel back to their hometown and de-boarding the persons trying to board goods train for travel, as well.
“RPF administration is also keeping a close watch on the health of its personnel, since they have high risk of exposure for which all the staff are being monitored for any illness or symptoms of Covid-19 regularly and so far none of the RPF staff has shown any positive sign for Covid-19”, said the CPRO.
Besides, senior officers are inspecting the barracks, colonies and worksites to communicate with and are motivating the personnel on duty and their families at home.
At RPF Zonal training Centre, Subedarganj, Sanitization and personal hygiene of lady recruits is ensured. Soaps and hand-wash is kept at sufficient places for trainees. Masks have been provided to all the trainees. Safe social distancing is being maintained during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“For taking extra care of the senior persons, a total of 301 personnel of above 55 years pf age have been given non- exposure duties and instructions have been given to staff to be aware about their health”, said Singh.
Besides, the scout and guide volunteers are also making contributions by conducting door to door awareness drives in railway colonies sensitising the public about importance of social distancing, handwashing and other precautions to be taken. They are also supporting security personnel performing duty at railway installations by providing tea and snacks during late night hours.