Kannur: The Indian railways has expanded its ‘Meri saheli’ (My friend) scheme to provide assistance and ensure safety of female passengers in trains. 59 women Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel will henceforth assist female passengers travelling in 23 trains in the Palakkad division. Earlier there were only a few trains with such assistance.

There are now 68 women RPF personnel in the Palakkad division. Their base stations are Mangalore junction, Mangalore central, Kannur, Shoranur and Palakkad. The RPF officer will board the coach one hour before the departure of the train from the station.

A list of women travelling alone will be taken and sent to all centres. It will be available to officials on duty at stops along the route. The security department will look for them at every important station. A helpline number, 139, will also be provided. A list of new boarders from other stations will be prepared. They will watch over female passengers until they alight from the train.