Stone Pelting On Vande Bharat Trains Cost The Railways Over Rs 55 Lakh: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

The Indian Railways, since 2019, has suffered a loss of more than Rs 55 lakh due to the damage caused by stone pelting on Vande Bharat trains, Parliament was informed on Wednesday (26 July).

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw mentioned that in response to such incidents, 151 persons involved in stone pelting have been arrested.

No incident leading to the loss of life of a passenger or theft or damage to a passenger's belongings, has been reported.

"Some incidents of stone pelting incidents have been reported on Vande Bharat trains. During the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 (up to June), Indian Railways suffered losses of Rs 55.60 lakh due to damage caused to Vande Bharat trains in the incidents of stone pelting," he said.

Vaishnaw said that in order to safeguard the lives of passengers and damage to railway property against vandalism, the Railway Protection Force, in coordination with Government Railway Polic/District police and civil administration, is conducting Operation Sathi in inhabited areas adjacent to railway tracks to sensitise people against stone pelting and its consequences.

Public is being made aware of the consequences arising out of agitation leading to damage and destruction of railway property.

The train escorting parties have been sensitised to remain more vigilant in the vulnerable sections/spots, where incidents of vandalising on trains are frequently reported.

"Detailed guidelines have been issued regarding action to be taken to control incidents of stone pelting on moving trains. Analysis of these incidents followed by substantive action is taken to curb these incidents," Vaishnaw said in the written reply.

Twenty-five Vande Bharat trains are operational across the country, as on date.