Chilli spray cans to help women RPF personnel tackle challenges swiftly

On a decision taken on Friday on the eve of International Women's Day, the Indian Railways has decided to equip women personnel of the Railway Protection Force with chilli spray cans.

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Normally, women RPF constables are armed with sticks only while their male counterparts carry firearms.

"This non-lethal yet effective tool will help women RPF personnel tackle challenging situations swiftly, particularly while safeguarding female passengers travelling alone or with children for ensuring safer train journeys for women passengers," an official release said.

"By providing chilli spray cans, women RPF personnel will have an additional layer of security, allowing them to deter threats, respond to incidents of harassment, and handle emergencies effectively — especially in sensitive areas like isolated stations, running trains and remote railway locations where immediate backup might not be available," the release added.

The Director General of RPF, Manoj Yadav, stated, “The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of empowering women and ensuring safer public spaces. Our women RPF personnel stand as symbols of strength, care and resilience. By equipping them with chilli spray cans, we are enhancing their confidence and operational capability, while sending a clear message that passenger safety — especially the safety of women — is our highest priority.”

The RPF boasts the highest proportion of women (9 per cent) among all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Yadav added.