Over 7,900 incidents of stone pelting on trains, including Vande Bharat Express, have been reported across India since 2023, resulting in damages worth ₹5.79 crore, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
In response to a question by Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind, Vaishnaw revealed that 7,971 cases of stone pelting were recorded between 2023 and February 2025. The damage caused required significant repairs, with all zonal railways collectively spending ₹5.79 crore on restoring affected train coaches, including the premium Vande Bharat trains.
The minister stated that authorities have taken legal action against offenders, with 4,549 individuals arrested in connection with these incidents. “Each case is registered under legal provisions, followed by proper inquiry and prosecution of offenders,” Vaishnaw said.
Steps Taken to Curb Stone Pelting
To address the issue, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), in collaboration with the Government Railway Police (GRP), district police, and local administration, has implemented several preventive measures. These include:
- Conducting awareness programs in areas near railway tracks to educate residents about the dangers and legal consequences of stone pelting.
- Enhancing vigilance among train escorting personnel in high-risk zones where vandalism is frequently reported.
- Establishing State Level Security Committees for Railways (SLSCR) in all states and Union Territories, chaired by the respective Director General of Police (DGP) or Police Commissioner, to monitor and review railway security arrangements.
Vandalism Cases in Bihar
In a separate response to Kozhikode MP MK Raghavan, Vaishnaw mentioned that 12 cases of vandalism targeting AC coaches of trains were recorded in Bihar in February 2025. These incidents resulted in damages amounting to ₹1,49,817.
The railway ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with law enforcement agencies to enhance railway security and prevent further damage.
Sources By Agencies
