Force highlights food shortages, overcrowding and poor sanitation during movement for Assembly poll duties
NEW DELHI, June 9: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has raised serious concerns over the movement of security personnel deployed for Assembly election duties in five states, informing the Railway Board that prolonged delays in special trains left troops without timely meals and caused significant hardship during their journeys.
In a detailed communication sent by the Inspector General (Operations) of the CRPF towards the end of the Assembly election process in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, the force highlighted multiple operational challenges faced by personnel while travelling on election special trains.
The letter, sent before the completion of the second and final phase of polling in West Bengal on April 29, also sought improved arrangements for the return movement of security forces.
According to the CRPF, out of 230 election special trains operated for ferrying personnel, nearly 200 experienced substantial delays.
“More than 150 election special trains reached their destination stations 10 to 15 hours behind schedule, while around 50 trains were delayed by 20 to 25 hours,” the communication stated.
The force said the delays severely disrupted catering arrangements, leaving personnel without meals for extended periods.
“The inordinate delay in train operations had a cascading effect on the supply of scheduled on-board meals. On several occasions, personnel received their first meal of the day, namely breakfast, only by 5 pm,” the CRPF said in its communication.
The force noted that attempts by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to reschedule meal services proved largely ineffective due to the unpredictable nature of the delays.
Apart from food-related issues, the CRPF also highlighted concerns regarding overcrowding in trains.
The force stated that despite seeking 24 coaches for each election special train, several services were operated with only 19 to 20 coaches, which were insufficient to accommodate 10 to 11 companies of personnel along with their equipment, luggage and stores.
“Reports were received wherein troops were crammed and forced to settle in overcrowded trains, resulting in extreme hardship during their long and arduous journey,” the letter stated.
The communication further pointed to deficiencies in essential services such as watering and cleaning of coaches. According to the CRPF, these services were not carried out at designated railway stations on several occasions, leading to unhygienic conditions inside the coaches.
The force said the poor sanitation particularly affected the comfort and well-being of personnel, including women staff deployed on election duty.
Responding to the concerns raised by the CRPF, Railway Board officials said corrective measures were initiated after the issues were brought to their notice and efforts were made to address the operational shortcomings.
The matter has drawn attention to the logistical challenges involved in transporting large numbers of security personnel during major electoral exercises, with the CRPF stressing the need for better planning and coordination to ensure the welfare and operational readiness of troops deployed for election duties.
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