Indian Railways has significantly strengthened passenger safety and infrastructure security over the past five years, with more than 52,000 arrests made and over 50,000 offenders prosecuted under railway protection laws, the government informed Parliament.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that a total of 52,494 persons were arrested between 2021 and 2025 under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966. Of these, complaints were filed against 50,432 offenders in courts, including Special Railway Magistrate courts and district courts where applicable.
Stone Pelting Incidents and Arrests
The data also highlights ongoing challenges such as stone pelting on trains. During the same period, 12,157 incidents of stone pelting were reported, leading to the arrest of 8,441 individuals by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP).
Minimal Derailments Due to Miscreant Activities
Despite such incidents, derailments caused by sabotage or miscreant activities have remained extremely low. The minister noted that only three derailments linked to such activities were reported in the last five years – one each in the Waltair Division (East Coast Railway), Jhansi Division (North Central Railway), and Chennai Division (Southern Railway).
Multi-Layered Security Measures in Place
The Railway Protection Force has been at the forefront of safeguarding railway property and operations, with enhanced coordination among multiple agencies.
Key measures implemented to prevent criminal activities and ensure safe train operations include:
* Regular meetings of State Level Security Committees chaired by DGPs or Police Commissioners
* Close coordination between RPF, GRP, state police, and intelligence agencies
* Deployment of specialised intelligence units such as the Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) and Special Intelligence Branch (SIB)
* Increased patrolling in vulnerable and high-risk sections of railway tracks
* Removal of loose materials near tracks to prevent sabotage
* Public awareness campaigns for communities living near railway lines
* Use of drones and solar-powered standalone CCTV cameras for surveillance
Focus on Prevention and Public Awareness
The Minister said that Indian Railways have also intensified efforts to sensitise people living near tracks about the risks and legal consequences of tampering with railway property or placing obstructions on tracks. Citizens are being encouraged to report suspicious activities promptly.
