Railway Protection Force - Service Profile, Pay Scales

Railway Protection Force (RPF) is one of the security forces of India. It is tasked with protecting property and passengers of the Indian Railways. It is the only Central Armed Police Force(CAPF) with powers similar to regular state police forces. The superior officers of this force are recruited through the Civil Services Examination. Railway Protection Force recruitment for subordinate officers is conducted through examinations conducted by the force itself. This article gives information about its functions, salary and career prospects.

To know more about UPSC civil service examination, visit the link IAS exam.

Aspirants can check the exam dates for the various posts at the UPSC Calendar 2023 page.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) – Roles and Responsibilities

The RPF, along with the Government Railway Police(GRP) ensure the security of passengers and property of the Indian Railways. The following are the functions of the force:

1. Arrest and prosecute people who steal, damage or unlawfully possess railway property.
2. Providing security cover to passenger trains in vulnerable areas.
3. Providing services such as control of access to railway premises, general security and regulation of premises used by passengers.
4. To ensure smooth movement of railway traffic by removing obstructions to train and passenger movement.
5. Maintenance and enhancement of the RPF Security Management System.
6. Preventing trafficking of women and children and help in the rehabilitation of destitute people who are found inside railway premises.

Railway Protection Force Powers

The following powers are conferred upon the force to enable them to smoothly discharge their duties:

1. Power to investigate, prosecute and arrest persons engaged in activities which violate the Railways Act, 1890.
2. Power to remove obstructions such as illegal constructions and encroachments which obstruct rail transport or passengers.
3. Discretionary power to use non-lethal and lethal force based on the situation while discharging their duties.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) – Grade and Salary

The Railway Protection Force is headed by an IPS officer of the rank of Director-General. The DG is assisted by various officers selected through the UPSC exam. RPF pay scale and seniority list are as follows:

Below table give information on Grade and Payscale

The salary structure of RPF posts has recently been updated as per the recommendations of the 7th pay commission. Apart from the pay, officers also get various facilities as per their rank such as:

1. Government Accommodation
2. Free Railway Passes in First Class for self and family up to 6 times a year
3. Security Guard
4. Concessional railway tickets for all classes of travel.

The type of accommodation and other perks depends on the position of the incumbent in the RPF officers seniority list. The officers who go on deputation to other departments get facilities as per the guidelines of the respective organisations.

To know more about other Civil Services, visit the link UPSC Posts

Units under Railway Protection Force (RPF)

1. Breeding and Training Centre for Police Dogs
2. Central Crime Bureau
3. Central Weapons Store
4. Indian Railway Protection Force Service

The above details would help candidates preparing for UPSC 2023 in setting up their goals.

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