The GRP Chiefs Conference 2026 concluded in New Delhi on October 23, focusing on intelligence-led policing, passenger safety and stronger coordination among the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and State Police.
The 8th All India Conference of GRP Chiefs was convened by the RPF to discuss emerging security challenges and share best practices. Director General of RPF Sonali Mishra presided over the conference, which was attended by Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar, Railway Board members and GRP chiefs from various states and Union Territories.
A key development was the onboarding of GRP personnel onto the RailMadad platform by the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS). The integration aims to improve passenger grievance redressal, information-sharing and complaint monitoring.
GRP Chiefs Conference 2026 highlights technology-led security
The conference reviewed initiatives combining technology, surveillance and coordinated police responses to strengthen railway security.
South Central Railway presented its Pink Patrol initiative, titled “Eyes in the Sky, SHAKTI on the Ground”. The women-led initiative combines drone-assisted surveillance with rapid-response teams under the SHAKTI framework.
Participants also discussed stone-pelting on trains, identifying it as a continuing security challenge. Proposed measures included hotspot-based patrolling, enhanced surveillance, strict action against offenders and outreach programmes for young people.
The discussions stressed stronger coordination between RPF and GRP, alongside community awareness and preventive engagement to deter such incidents.
Railway security planning for Diwali and Chhath
Crowd management during Diwali, Chhath and other festivals was another key focus. Northern Railway’s Delhi Division presented its coordinated arrangements with Delhi Police, GRP and Delhi Metro authorities.
The measures include CCTV surveillance, public announcements, barricading, designated holding areas and dedicated control rooms. Officials emphasised advance planning, efficient passenger-flow management and coordinated deployment of security personnel during peak travel periods.
These arrangements aim to support safe and orderly passenger movement during festival-related travel surges.
Project DISHA promotes railway safety awareness
Central Railway’s Pune Division showcased Project DISHA, or Dedicated Initiative for Safety, Harmony & Awareness. The programme engages children living near railway tracks through educational and recreational activities, safety awareness sessions and community-based interventions.
The initiative works with non-governmental organisations, National Service Scheme volunteers and local communities. It seeks to encourage responsible behaviour and discourage stone-pelting, theft, trespassing and other unsafe activities around railway infrastructure.
Intelligence-sharing and joint training remain priorities
The conference also examined joint RPF-GRP training, sabotage prevention and timely information-sharing on narcotics detection.
Discussions highlighted digital evidence handling, standardised procedures, intelligence-sharing, stronger investigative capabilities and supporting infrastructure.
Railway Board Chairman and CEO Satish Kumar emphasised coordination, technological advancement and innovation to address evolving security challenges across Indian Railways. He also called for measures to build passenger confidence through courteous and professional policing.
The conference concluded with closing remarks by RPF Director General Sonali Mishra, who stressed the importance of intelligence-led policing in strengthening railway security.
