In a recent revelation, Union Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that the Indian Railways has incurred losses of over ₹55 lakh since 2019 due to damages caused by stone pelting on Vande Bharat trains. While addressing the issue in Parliament, the minister shed light on the measures taken to address this concerning trend.
The Vande Bharat Express, also known as Train 18, is an indigenous semi-high-speed train and a symbol of India’s advancements in railway technology. However, its smooth operations have been marred by incidents of stone pelting along its route. According to Vaishnaw’s statement, no incidents leading to the loss of life or damage to passenger belongings have been reported, but the financial loss to the Railways cannot be ignored.
Between 2019 and June 2023, there have been multiple incidents of stone pelting targeting Vande Bharat trains, resulting in significant financial losses to the Railways amounting to ₹55.60 lakh. In response to these incidents, authorities have taken swift action, arresting 151 individuals involved in the act of stone pelting.
To combat this growing issue, the Railways has implemented “OPERATION SATHI,” a joint effort of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), District Police, and the civil administration. This operation aims to sensitize people residing near railway tracks about the consequences of stone pelting and its impact on passenger safety and railway property. By raising awareness among the public, the authorities hope to curb such incidents in the future.
Train escorting parties have also been briefed to remain vigilant in vulnerable sections where instances of train vandalism are frequently reported. Detailed guidelines have been issued to outline the necessary actions to control stone pelting on moving trains, and a comprehensive analysis of each incident is conducted to take effective measures.
Moreover, regular drives are being conducted to address other anti-social elements, such as drunkards and mischievous individuals, in the affected areas or “black spots.” The RPF maintains regular coordination with GRP and local police, sharing critical information to effectively tackle the menace of stone pelting on trains.
The safety of passengers and railway property is of paramount importance, and the Rail Minister assured that the government is taking every possible measure to safeguard both. The combined efforts of the authorities and public awareness campaigns are expected to minimize such incidents and maintain the integrity of the country’s modern railway infrastructure.
As incidents of stone pelting continue to pose a threat to the smooth functioning of Vande Bharat trains, the Railways remains committed to securing the safety of passengers and preserving its valuable assets. By addressing this issue head-on and working in tandem with local authorities and the public, the government aims to ensure a secure and reliable journey for all passengers on Vande Bharat Express and other trains across the network.
