मातृदेवो भव।Matri devo bhava Regard  your  mother  as God. Taittiriya Upanishad (१.११.२)

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers”.

-Rudyard Kipling

Mohammed Shadan Zeb Khan

DIG-cum-CSC/RPF/SCR

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the unconditional and selfless love, strength, sacrifices, and resilience of mothers and nurturing spirit that define motherhood. It is also a moment to recognise the diverse and powerful ways in which women fulfill this role— whether at home or in uniform. It is also an occasion to reiterate our gratitude to the women who shaped our lives with indomitable strength and loving compassion. For many of us in the RPF, the discipline and resilience instilled by our mothers have been the foundation of our commitment to serve. Their lessons of courage and compassion resonate in our daily efforts to safeguard others.

Among mothers, there are the dedicated women of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), whose stories remind us that motherhood and service can go hand in hand. For women in uniform, the call of duty does not pause for the needs of their children. Their role as protectors often demands long hours, night shifts, and deployment in distant locations. Yet, these mothers continue to provide emotional support, guidance, and care to their children—showing resilience that reflects both personal courage and professional commitment.

On the occasion of Mother’s Day, we celebrate not only the unconditional love of mothers but also the relentless efforts of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in safeguarding and assisting women and children across Indian Railways. As Marion C. Garretty said, “A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible”, the RPF showcases this daily by consistently going above and beyond to ensure safety, dignity, and well-being of mothers and children, making rail travel safer and more secure for millions of mothers.

Balancing the demands of duty with the responsibilities of motherhood is no small feat. Women RPF personnel exemplify resilience, managing high-pressure roles while nurturing their families with love. Their ability to protect both the Railways and its passengers besides their homes is a testament to the extraordinary spirit of motherhood. Thus, the RPF, with 10% female personnel (highest among central forces), continues to navigate the balance between celebrating resilience and addressing workplace challenges for mothers.

Even being away from families for extended periods, often missing out on precious moments with loved ones, yet, the spirit of motherhood prevails, as RPF strives to create a sense of security and comfort for fellow citizens, just as mothers do for their children. From routine patrols to state-of-the-art surveillance measures, RPF personnel are trained to provide security to railway passengers with a special focus on safety and security of women, children, and the elderly. Under Mission ‘Mahila Suraksha’, RPF deploys around 250 ‘Meri Saheli’ squads daily across railway stations, working round-the-clock, to ensure the safety of women passengers. 

Their active presence provides immediate assistance to women passengers travelling alone and instils a sense of safety and confidence during their travel. In this pursuit, RPF detected 42 cases and arrested 45 for criminal offenses against women under IPC in 2024. Vide, Section 162 of the Railway Act, RPF took firm steps to ensure that women’s coaches are safe spaces. Over 99,000 cases were registered against males travelling in ladies’ compartments and over Rs. 1.9 crores collected in fines in 2024 alone.

Compassionate Operations:

In alignment with the values of care and protection that mothers embody, RPF has undertaken the following standout operations for the safety and security of women:

Operation ‘Matrishakti’: Under this initiative, female RPF personnel actively assist pregnant women who unexpectedly go into labor during train journeys. The operation focuses on providing support, comfort, and ensuring the safety and privacy of the mother and baby. These acts of compassion highlight the nurturing aspect of motherhood, even within the demanding environment of law enforcement. In 2024 alone, female RPF personnel assisted in 174 childbirths onboard trains

Operation ‘Dignity’: It’s an initiative aimed at assisting adults in distress, including those who are abandoned, homeless, kidnapped, or mentally unwell. The RPF focuses on ensuring their safety and providing immediate help. Rescued 1,607 women in need of care, in 2024.

Every year, thousands of children get separated from their mothers while traveling. The RPF’s “Operation Nanhe Farishtey” (Little Angels) has rescued and reunited countless lost children with their families, bringing tears of joy to many mothers. Rescued 3,973 girl children in need of care and protection (below 18 years) in 2023; 4,528 in 2024; and 1,005 up to March 2025.

Operation ‘AAHT’: The RPF plays a crucial role in rescuing women and children from the clutches of human traffickers. Through “Operation AAHT” (Action Against Human Trafficking), RPF personnel have intercepted traffickers and saved numerous lives, giving hope to distressed mothers whose children were at risk. Rescued 81 females in 2023, 75 in 2024, and 10 up to March 2025, with hundreds of traffickers arrested.

Educating & Empowering mothers: Besides above, RPF also conducts awareness campaigns on women’s safety, cybercrime prevention, and self defense training (RPF’s “Self-Defense for Women” programs), empowering mothers and young girls to stay safe.

Thus, the RPF, a specialised force tasked with securing India’s railways, has evolved into a beacon of trust for millions of passengers.

Looking Ahead with Pride and Purpose –

The Railway Protection Force (RPF), with unwavering commitment and foresight, continues to evolve its strategies to meet the dynamic safety needs of Railway passengers. Through innovative outreach programs and community-centric initiatives, the RPF is not just protecting lives—it is building trust and fostering a culture of care. As we honor the strength and selflessness of mothers, we are reminded that true security lies in vigilance tempered with compassion. The RPF embraces this dual ethos, ensuring its personnel serve not only as protectors but as empathetic guardians of the nation’s railways. Looking ahead, the RPF stands tall with pride in its legacy and purpose in its mission—to make every journey safer, more inclusive, and deeply rooted in the values that mothers so beautifully exemplify. In RPF posts across the country, women juggle responsibilities that test their endurance daily. And in doing so, they challenge conventional ideas of motherhood, showing that strength and softness can coexist.

A Salute to Motherly Dedication –

Like a mother, the RPF’s commitment to protecting women and children is unwavering. This Mother’s Day, we honour not only the mothers who nurture us but also the brave men and women of the RPF who work tirelessly to keep passengers safe. Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever. Likewise, RPF strives to ensure that every mother’s journey with her child is safe, secure, and filled with care, always.

Taking a cue from Abraham Lincoln who said “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother”, let us carry forward their values of kindness, strength, and dedication in all that we do. This Mother’s Day, may we cherish, support, and salute every mother-at home, in uniform, and everywhere in between.

Manusmriti (मनुस्मृतत २.१४५) यत्र नाययस्तु पूज्यन्ते रमन्ते तत्र देवतााः

Yatra nāryastu pūjyante ramante tatra devatāḥ

“Where women are worshipped, there gods dwell“.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Team Maverick