GUWAHATI: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) under Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has emerged as a steadfast guardian for vulnerable children, blending its core duties of passenger and railway security with proactive child protection initiatives across the Northeast region. Thousands of children separated from their families and trapped by human trafficking gangs were rescued by the railway protection force in the line of duty.
In 2025 alone, RPF personnel rescued 1,101 children—802 boys and 299 girls—who had lost their way or become separated from families amid life’s uncertainties. These children were swiftly handed over to Child Welfare Committees (CWC) or reunited with parents for rehabilitation. Under Mission AAHT (Action Against Human Trafficking), the force rescued nine children and 80 adults, leading to the arrest of nine traffickers. Over the years, thousands more have been saved, underscoring NFR’s unwavering commitment to this noble cause.
This dedication shone brightly in recent operations on January 21, 2026. At Guwahati railway station, RPF teams, in coordination with the Child Protection and Development Services (CPDS) and Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), rescued two runaway minor boys. The swift intervention ensured their safe handover to Child Line, Guwahati, for care, protection, and rehabilitation.
On the same day, at Kamakhya railway station, an RPF team rescued a runaway minor girl. She, too, was promptly transferred to Child Line, Guwahati, for secure custody and further support. These timely rescues highlight the force’s vigilance at key transit hubs, where runaways and trafficking victims often surface.
NFR’s RPF operates across its vast zone, from bustling stations in Assam to remote outposts, preventing human trafficking and fostering a secure environment. By identifying children in distress—whether lost amid crowds or fleeing hardship—the force not only restores families but also disrupts exploitative networks.
Railway officials emphasise that such operations are supported by rigorous training, community partnerships, and round-the-clock patrols. “Every child rescued is protected in the future protected,” said an RPF spokesperson, reflecting the force’s ethos.
As railways remain lifelines for millions in the Northeast, RPF’s dual role in security and compassion sets a benchmark. Their efforts remind us that behind the uniforms are heroes ensuring no child is left behind on this journey.
