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The ministry said it has issued detailed directives on measures to be taken to control stone-throwing incidents on moving trains. (Representative photo: News18)
A total of 4,233 incidents of stone-throwing on trains were reported over the past three years, according to government data.
With incidents of stone-throwing on Vande Bharat trains under the spotlight, the Ministry of Railways said that four such cases were reported per day on average during the three-year period between 2020 and 2022. In a written response to the Rajya Sabha on Friday, the ministry said a total of 4,233 incidents of stone-throwing on trains were reported on Indian Railways during the last three years, 2022 and 2022.
Also, the ministry said that during the same period, Indian Railways suffered a loss of about Rs. 262 crore due to damage/destruction of railway property during the unrest. In 2020, this loss was at Rs 1.78 crores, in 2021 it was Rs 0.68 crores and in 2022 it was the highest at Rs 259.44 crores.
The ministry said it had issued detailed directives on measures to be taken to control stone-throwing incidents on moving trains.
“Analysis of these incidents followed by substantial measures to reduce such incidents… Regular campaigns are conducted against anti-social elements such as drunks and mischievous elements in the affected section/black spots and the arrested persons are prosecuted under the provisions of the law,” it said.
The ministry also said that parties accompanying trains have been sensitized to remain extra vigilant in vulnerable sections/locations, as incidents of vandalism on trains are frequently reported.
Also, various awareness programs including Operation Sathi are regularly conducted in populated areas adjacent to railway tracks to make people aware of the danger of stone throwing and its consequences.
In order to protect the lives of passengers and damage to railway property due to vandalism by miscreants, the authorities collect and share inputs with all intelligence agencies.
“Electronic patrols and technical intelligence gathering are conducted using modern technological tools to gather inputs about these types of activities. Police/GRP and RPF personnel are deployed to vulnerable locations with riot control equipment, weapons and ammunition. Special mob control training is being provided to RPF personnel to deal with riots/illegal assemblies and respond to such eventualities effectively,” the ministry said.
The public is made aware of the consequences arising from disturbances which have resulted in damage and destruction of railway property.
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