New Delhi (Agency): The Railways has faced a financial setback of more than Rs 55 lakh since 2019 due to damage caused by stone pelting incidents targeting Vande Bharat trains, as per information provided by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Parliament on Wednesday.
Responding to a query in Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw reported that 151 individuals involved in stone pelting attacks have been arrested. Thankfully, no incidents leading to the loss of a passenger’s life or theft or damage to their belongings have been reported so far.
Vaishnaw stated, “Some incidents of stone pelting have been reported on Vande Bharat trains. During the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 (up to June), Indian Railways incurred losses of Rs 55.60 lakh due to damage caused to Vande Bharat trains in these stone pelting incidents.”
To protect passengers’ lives and railway property against vandalism, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is coordinating with the Government Railway Police (GRP), District police, and civil administration to conduct OPERATION SATHI in inhabited areas adjacent to railway tracks. This initiative aims to sensitize people about the consequences of stone pelting and its impact on safety.
Furthermore, the train escorting parties have been instructed to remain vigilant in vulnerable sections where incidents of vandalizing trains are frequently reported. Detailed guidelines have been issued to control stone pelting on moving trains, and the authorities analyze such incidents to take substantive action against such acts.