SHINE App Strengthens Workplace Safety in Indian Railways

Launch of SHINE App

SHINE App Strengthens Workplace Safety in Indian Railways: Indian Railways launched the SHINE App (Sexual Harassment Incident Notification for Empowerment) on March 8, 2026, marking International Women’s Day. The initiative aims to strengthen workplace safety and provide women employees with a secure digital platform to report incidents of harassment.

The application is integrated with the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) used by railway employees. Through this system, complaints can be submitted directly and forwarded to the concerned authorities responsible for addressing workplace harassment.

Static GK fact: Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks in the world, managing more than 68,000 km of route length and employing over one million people, making workplace safety mechanisms crucial.

Digital Platform for Complaint Reporting

The SHINE App provides a dedicated mechanism for women employees to lodge complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace quickly and securely. Complaints can be submitted through the Employee Self Service portal integrated within HRMS.

Once a complaint is registered, the system automatically forwards it to the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or the designated authority responsible for investigation. This digital reporting process reduces procedural delays and ensures quicker administrative response.

The platform is designed to maintain confidentiality and transparency, which are essential elements in harassment complaint mechanisms.

Support Beyond Railway Employees

A distinctive feature of the SHINE App is its inclusive reporting system. Complaints can also be submitted on behalf of individuals who are not permanent railway employees.

This includes contractual staff, visitors, students, and trainees working within railway premises. The provision ensures that workplace safety measures extend beyond regular employees and protect all individuals interacting with railway institutions.

Such an inclusive digital framework broadens the scope of protection and strengthens institutional accountability.

Faster and Confidential Complaint Handling

The app ensures that every complaint reaches the appropriate authority without delay. Once submitted, complaints are digitally routed to the designated committees responsible for addressing workplace harassment cases.

Officials believe the system will improve the efficiency of grievance redressal mechanisms by enabling real-time tracking and faster communication between complainants and committees.

The use of a centralized digital system also helps maintain secure documentation and confidentiality, which are critical in sensitive cases involving workplace harassment.

Legal Framework Behind Workplace Safety

The concept of institutional mechanisms to address workplace harassment originates from the Visakha Guidelines, issued by the Supreme Court of India in 1997 following the Visakha vs State of Rajasthan case.

These guidelines mandated organizations to establish Internal Complaints Committees, ensure confidentiality of proceedings, and create formal complaint procedures.

Static GK Tip: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 was enacted to legally enforce the principles laid down in the Visakha Guidelines.

By introducing the SHINE App, Indian Railways aligns its internal mechanisms with national legal frameworks aimed at ensuring safe and inclusive workplaces for women.

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SHINE App Strengthens Workplace Safety in Indian Railways: