Raipur, Oct 12: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) celebrated its 42nd Raising Day at the Institute Ground in WRS Colony here on Monday with a ceremonial parade and a technology exhibition, highlighting its commitment to protecting railway passengers and property and strengthening security across Indian Railways.

The occasion commemorates the historic milestone of September 20, 1985, when the RPF was accorded the status of an armed force of the Union. The celebration highlighted the force’s legacy of public service and its efforts to enhance railway security through professional excellence, operational preparedness and technological innovation.

RPF director general Sonali Mishra, IPS, was the chief guest at the समारोह. The event was attended by MP Brijmohan Agrawal, South East Central Railway (SECR) general manager Tarun Prakash, divisional railway manager Dayanand, Chhattisgarh director general of police, RPF inspector general for SECR Munawar Khurshid, senior railway officials and senior officers of the Chhattisgarh administration and police.

Ceremonial parade showcases operational capabilities

The ceremonial parade was the main attraction of the celebration, showcasing the discipline, professional competence, readiness and operational capabilities of the force.

Various contingents participated in the parade, including the women’s contingent, CORAS commando contingent, dog squad and Segway contingent. Their participation demonstrated the RPF’s diverse capabilities, ranging from specialised operational interventions and canine-assisted security operations to technology-enabled patrolling.

The parade reflected the dedication and vigilance of RPF personnel who work continuously to protect railway passengers and property, prevent crime and maintain a safe railway environment across the country. The participation of the women’s contingent highlighted the significant contribution of women personnel, while the CORAS commando contingent demonstrated the force’s specialised operational preparedness.

Three President’s Police Medals, 30 Police Medals presented

A key highlight of the समारोह was the presentation of medals and decorations by the RPF director general to officers and personnel in recognition of distinguished service, professional excellence and contributions to the nation.

Three President’s Police Medals for Distinguished Service, 30 Police Medals for Meritorious Service and one Jeevan Raksha Padak for saving a railway passenger’s life in 2024 were presented on the occasion.

The honours relate to awards announced on the occasions of Independence Day 2025 and Republic Day 2026. They recognise exceptional devotion to duty, professional achievements and meritorious contributions to national service.

The Jeevan Raksha Padak highlighted the humanitarian dimension of the force’s responsibilities, recognising an act that saved a passenger’s life.

The medal presentation ceremony was intended to inspire RPF personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and continue discharging their duties with courage, compassion and a strong sense of responsibility.

A legacy of service and evolving responsibilities

The RPF’s history reflects decades of commitment to railway security. The Railway Protection Force Act, 1957, enacted on August 29, 1957, provided the force with statutory recognition. The RPF Rules, 1959, subsequently established a uniform framework for its functioning.

During the Chinese aggression in 1962, a Special Emergency Force (SEF) was formed from the existing strength of the RPF to protect trains in border districts. In 1965, it was renamed the Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF). The Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966, further strengthened the legal framework for protecting railway property.

A decisive milestone came on September 20, 1985, when an amendment to the RPF Act, 1957, accorded the force the status of an armed force of the Union. Subsequent legislative developments, particularly amendments in 2003, expanded its responsibilities to include the security of railway passengers and passenger areas.

In 2019, the force was also authorised to exercise specified powers under Sections 42 and 67 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

From protecting railway property to securing passengers and adopting modern security technologies, the RPF has continued to evolve to meet emerging challenges. The 42nd Raising Day reaffirmed its commitment to service, professionalism and passenger security.

Technology exhibition highlights modern security initiatives

A technology exhibition added a significant dimension to the celebrations, showcasing modern security initiatives, innovative technological applications and digital capabilities aimed at strengthening the security framework of Indian Railways.

The exhibits included drone patrolling, the humanoid robot ARJUN, ReCAM (RPF e Crime Analysis Module), EFRR (e-Forecasting Register of RPF) and digital tools developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

These included the Criminal Procedure Identification System (CrPIS) and the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS), among other initiatives.

The exhibition highlighted the growing integration of technology, digital solutions and modern surveillance systems into railway security operations, reflecting the RPF’s emphasis on innovation, operational efficiency and enhanced passenger safety.

Commitment to passenger safety reaffirmed

The 42nd Raising Day brought together the RPF’s legacy, recognition of outstanding service and its vision for technology-driven railway security.

While the ceremonial parade demonstrated the discipline and operational readiness of its personnel, the medal presentation recognised distinguished service, merit and humanitarian commitment. The technology exhibition showcased modern initiatives aimed at strengthening railway security.

RPF director general Sonali Mishra reiterated Indian Railways’ commitment to ensuring the safety, security and convenience of passengers. She emphasised professional excellence, the use of modern technology, coordinated functioning with other law enforcement agencies and operational efficiency.

She also stressed the need to strengthen security arrangements across the country and provide safe, reliable and passenger-friendly railway services.

With a proud legacy of service and a future shaped by innovation, the Railway Protection Force remains committed to protecting passengers, safeguarding railway property and ensuring the security of Indian Railways.