Railways Issue Stern Warning on Stone Pelting After 1,000+ Cases and 600 Arrests

Indian Railways has issued a strong warning of strict legal action against individuals involved in stone-pelting on trains, following a surge in such incidents across the network. In a statement released on January 21, 2026, the Ministry of Railways highlighted that these unlawful acts endanger passengers, railway staff, and cause extensive damage to public property worth crores.

Official data reveals that between July and December 2025, a total of 1,698 cases of stone pelting were registered nationwide. Authorities have arrested 665 people in connection with these incidents, demonstrating intensified enforcement and a firm zero-tolerance policy. Northern Railway reported the highest number of cases at 363, followed by East Central Railway (219), South Central Railway (140), North Central Railway (126), Western Railway (116), and Southern Railway (108). Other zones also recorded varying numbers, with Konkan Railway reporting the lowest at 3 cases.

The railways have ramped up surveillance, increased patrolling in vulnerable sections, and ensured swift identification and arrests of offenders. Stone pelting is treated as a serious criminal offence, with cases registered under relevant legal provisions leading to immediate arrests and prosecution.

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The Ministry appealed to citizens to act responsibly, cooperate with railway authorities, and help maintain safe and secure train travel for everyone. Officials reiterated that continued incidents not only risk lives but also disrupt services and burden public resources.

This crackdown comes amid growing concerns over vandalism on trains, particularly in densely populated or rural stretches where such acts have become recurrent.

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