The Railway Protection Force (RPF) in Assam has rescued 16 runaway children over the past week. This takes the total number of children rescued in 2025 to more than 840. The RPF’s proactive action underscores its growing role in ensuring the safety of vulnerable minors traveling alone or in distress on trains and railway premises.
According to RPF officials, most of the children were found loitering in stations or traveling without tickets. Many had left their homes without informing their families. The swift intervention of the force not only prevented potential exploitation but also ensured that the children were reunited with their families or placed under the care of child welfare authorities.
Read More: Mizoram, Assam Begin Critical Minerals Exploration
A continuing challenge for Assam’s railway network
Assam’s extensive railway network often witnesses a high number of minors leaving home due to family disputes, peer influence, or economic hardship. The state’s busy train routes, which connect Assam to other regions of India, make it easy for children to travel unnoticed. Unfortunately, this also exposes them to risks such as trafficking, forced labor, and abuse.
Railway police officials revealed that several children rescued last week had boarded long-distance trains without tickets. They were spotted during routine checks and counseling sessions conducted by RPF personnel. Immediate action was taken to verify their identities and inform their guardians.
This year’s cumulative figure of over 840 rescues is both encouraging and concerning. It reflects the RPF’s alertness while also pointing to the alarming frequency of children running away from home in Assam.
RPF’s strategy for child safety
The Railway Protection Force has intensified its surveillance on platforms, trains, and surrounding areas. Officials explained that special focus is placed on trains connecting Assam to West Bengal, Bihar, and Delhi, as these routes are often used by runaway children.
The RPF works closely with the Government Railway Police (GRP), station staff, and non-governmental organizations. Childline India and local child welfare committees are immediately contacted once a child is rescued. The minors are then counseled and provided temporary shelter before being handed back to their families or guardians.
Another key initiative is the use of CCTV cameras installed in major railway stations. These cameras help RPF teams identify unattended minors or children traveling in suspicious conditions. The force also conducts awareness drives to inform passengers and vendors about reporting lone children.
Human stories behind the numbers
Every case of a runaway child has a unique story. Officials noted that some children leave home due to disagreements with parents, while others seek to escape poverty or domestic violence. Peer pressure and social media influences are also becoming common triggers for minors to leave home without permission.
In one recent case, a 14-year-old boy from Guwahati was found at Lumding Junction trying to board a train to Kolkata. On questioning, he admitted he wanted to pursue work in the city to support his family. Another girl, rescued at Tinsukia, said she was lured by promises of a better life made by strangers she met online. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities that make children easy targets for traffickers.
The RPF has been careful to treat each case with sensitivity. Officers explained that counseling sessions are vital because rescued children often fear punishment from parents or remain emotionally distressed. Ensuring their safe reintegration into families is as important as the rescue itself.
Government and community response
The Assam government has expressed appreciation for the RPF’s efforts and pledged stronger collaboration. Child welfare departments have been urged to expand counseling and rehabilitation programs to address the growing number of cases.
Community organizations in Assam also play a vital role. Several NGOs are working with the railways to provide temporary shelters, education, and vocational support to rescued children. By addressing the root causes, such as poverty and lack of awareness, these organizations aim to reduce the number of children who attempt to leave home in the first place.
Additionally, awareness campaigns in schools and neighborhoods are helping parents and guardians stay alert to behavioral changes that might indicate a child’s intention to run away.
The way forward
The figure of over 840 rescues in Assam this year reflects both success and challenge. On one hand, the Railway Protection Force has shown commendable vigilance. On the other hand, the persistent rise in runaway cases indicates deep-rooted social issues that require long-term solutions.
Experts believe that preventive measures must be strengthened. This includes better family counseling services, financial aid for vulnerable households, and stronger child protection mechanisms at the community level. Parents must also remain vigilant about the online activities of their children, given the increasing role of digital platforms in influencing young minds.
Railway authorities are planning to expand surveillance systems to smaller stations. More RPF personnel are being trained in child counseling and crisis management. Collaboration with child protection units is being scaled up, ensuring rescued minors receive holistic care.
The RPF’s rescue of 16 runaway children in Assam last week highlights its consistent efforts to safeguard vulnerable minors. With over 840 rescues already recorded this year, the force’s role remains critical in addressing this sensitive issue.
While rescue operations are vital, the larger challenge lies in preventing children from leaving their homes in the first place. Through a combination of government action, community support, and parental awareness, Assam can reduce such incidents. The RPF’s ongoing commitment offers hope for better child safety across the state’s railway network.
Read More: Arunachal CM rolls out SPICE formula for Panchayat empowerment
