These brilliant shots from the 2017 calendar shot by Pravin Talan will sure make you appreciate the Railway Police who work hard but go unnoticed!
Niket Kaushik, the Commissioner of Police, Railways, Mumbai, has released Mumbai Railway Police Calendar 2017, shot by photographer Pravin Talan. It is for the first time ever in the country that a calendar of this nature has been shot and released that explores this lesser known police force. The most striking thing about the calendar is the way space has been artistically used to bring forth the daily duties of the railway police force. It has been shot over a number of locations that include tracks, trains, tunnels, bridges and stations, covering various popular as well lesser known spots in the Mumbai region, seamlessly blending art, heritage, structures, motion, emotions and duty.
Niket Kaushik said that it was time GRP was brought out of the shadows and people would get a glimpse into the extent of their work.
Safe & secured travel of nearly 75 lakh suburban local train commuters & thousand of long distance train commuters is the objective of Mumbai Railway Police. Crime investigation & prevention, maintenance of Law & Order, shifting of railway accident victims to hospitals, tracing parents of unclaimed children, keeping internal security, are amongst the many daily duties of railway police. These policemen cover hundreds of km of railway tracks trying their best to stop people from crossing over in the face of a monstrous train speeding across, keep a watch on tunnels, bridges n other vital installations.
Some of the locations that the calendar has been shot at include Churchgate Station, Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus, Mahim , Andheri station, Sandhurst Road Railway Station, Karjat Station, Karjat tunnel, Turbhe, Bhayanadar Khadi bridge, Kasara Umarmali Station, Kasara Ghat and Railway Yard Wadi Bunder.
Pravin Talan believes that being a good policeman is a job that is no less than extra-ordinary. This calendar is an insight into what makes the efforts of Mumbai Railway Police heroic.
1. Churchgate Station
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As many as 80 lakh commuters use local trains daily in Mumbai Commissionerate itself, and Mumbai Railway Police is responsible for their safety and security!
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
2. Dombivalli
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Mumbai is connected to rest of the country with various important bridges. A Government Railway Police (GRP) constable stands alert on Diva Vasai route near Dombivalli
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
3. Man's Best Friend
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Dogs are an important part of any security force. A GRP constable keeping a watchful eye with a trained dog next to a railway track.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
4. Mumbai Central
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A railway policeman’s role is not just providing security but also a sense of comfort to the passengers. He needs to be strong yet not intimidating even if he is carrying a gun. The child’s curiosity in him walking across and his light warm smile in response says it all.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
5. Sandhurst Road Station
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A GRP constable stands guard at Sandhurst Road Station, they are part of the daily life of Mumbaikars.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
6. Karjat
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Railway Policemen doing their routine rounds in the tunnel checking for any miscreants at a tunnel near Karjat
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
7. Navi Mumbai
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GRP officers at Turbhe station, Navi Mumbai attempt to connect with commuters specially the youth.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
8. Karjat
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Lighthearted exchange of warm smiles between passengers waiting for the trains and a GRP constable at Karjat station. The most important element of GRP is being warm and courteous to the passengers.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
9. Kasara
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A single tourist at the remote fog engulfed Umarmali station, Kasara during early morning hours also has a constable watching over her, ensuring safe travel.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
10. Kasara Ghats
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Kasara Ghats and the tunnel area are of great significance in Mumbai Commissionerate. In view of recent reports of attempted sabotage, their patrolling and surveillance has been optimized.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
11. GRP Constable
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A GRP constable looks on as the photographer captures this image.
(Image courtesy: Mumbai Railway Police Calendar shot by Pravin Talan)
