30 CBRN trained RPF personnel leading fight against COVID-19

New Delhi: Thirty personnel of Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Delhi Division, who were trained in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense (CBRN), are key arsenal in helping the force to fight against COVID-19. They are also raising awareness among poor people who live in the railway jurisdiction.

According to RPF officials, last year DRDO scientists and RPF officers had surveyed four railway stations (New Delhi, Old Delhi, Anand Vihar and Nizamuddin) to check if any CBRN related crisis takes place in future and what steps would be taken.

"Our 30 men were trained in CBRN and now their experience is helping us in the fight against COVID-19," a senior RPF official said.

He further said after the COVID-19 outbreak, these men first created awareness among other personnel about how they should tackle the disaster. They also reach out to the poor people who live in the railways jurisdiction to create awareness among them. "During awareness, they first explain the reason behind the spread of the virus and then how to save themselves," he said.

Director-General of RPF, Arun Kumar told the Millennium Post they have been made the nodal agency by the Indian Railways for distribution of food. "Till Thursday evening, they have served 16 lakh food to the poor people all over the country. Our trained personnel first of all created awareness within the force regarding precautions like social distancing and then they prepared masks, handwash machines, sanitisers," he said, adding that awareness campaigns were launched by RPF.

Northern Railway officials on Friday said that RPF personnel of Delhi Division distributed 1,11,50 meals among the needy people. "3,500 prepared by IRCTC, 550 prepared by RPF personnel of Delhi Division, 300 prepared and distributed by Civil Engineering department personnel posted at New Delhi Railway Station, 6,800 prepared by NGOs," official said,

AN Jha, senior DSC (RPF) said they are also patrolling nearby tracks to ensure that there is no hindrance in the movements of trains carrying goods. Security Commissioner (East) Harish Papola said they are ensuring proper social distancing and other precautions during the distribution of food to the poor people.

According to a press statement from the Ministry of Railways, the sanctioned strength of the RPF is 74,830, and 61,869 RPF personnel are on roll.