EASTERN RAILWAY INTENSIFIES AWARENESS AND ENFORCEMENT DRIVE TO CURB STONE PELTING ON TRAINS
Kolkata, June 27, 2025
Kolkata, June 27, 2025
Incidents of stone pelting on moving trains remain a concerning issue across several zones of Indian Railways, including Eastern Railway. Beyond damaging national property, such reckless acts endanger the lives of passengers and railway staff—especially loco pilots—and disrupt safe train operations. The menace takes an even more serious turn when prestigious or premium trains are targeted, affecting the reputation of Indian Railways and shaking public confidence.
To address this critical challenge, Eastern Railway has adopted a two-pronged strategy—enforcement and awareness. While Railway Protection Force (RPF) continues to take stringent legal action against offenders under Section 153 of the Railways Act, 1989, a renewed focus has been placed on community awareness and behavioural change, particularly among youth. If any person pelts stone on running trains he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five Years, under Section 153, Railway Act 1989.
Recognizing that prevention is as crucial as enforcement, Eastern Railway’s RPF has rolled out massive sensitization drives in schools, local communities, and high-risk villages located near railway tracks. These efforts aim to instil a sense of responsibility among children and youth by educating them about the grave dangers, legal consequences, and societal harm resulting from stone pelting.
In 2024, 110 incidents of stone pelting were reported across the four divisions under Eastern Railway. In response, 49 offenders were arrested, and a commendable 1,718 awareness campaigns were held in collaboration with local authorities, school teachers, and social groups.
In 2025 (up to June 25), 83 incidents have already been reported, with 44 arrests made. The outreach continues with 1,059 awareness drives conducted in the first six months alone, demonstrating Eastern Railway’s unwavering commitment to public safety and engagement.
These awareness sessions often include short films, interactive talks, poster campaigns, and distribution of IEC (Information – Education – Communication) materials. Involving local children as “railway safety ambassadors” has also shown encouraging results.
Eastern Railway appeals to the public to treat trains as a shared national asset and to discourage any behaviour that endangers lives or causes disruption. Community support, parental guidance, and school involvement are vital to ending this dangerous practice. Citizens are also encouraged to report such incidents promptly through Railway Helpline 139. Stone pelters should keep in mind that the pelted stone may hit their close relatives or friends also who are travelling in the train.
Eastern Railway remains steadfast in its mission to ensure safe, secure, and uninterrupted travel for all—through vigilance, community participation, and zero tolerance for stone pelting.
Campaign at villages & schools by RPF of Eastern Railway to bring awareness against menace of stone pelting on trains.
তমলুকে মহাপ্রভূ শ্রীশ্রী জগন্নাথ দেবের রথযাত্রায় অংশগ্রহণ করলেন বিরোধী দলনেতা শুভেন্দু অধিকারী।
পৃথিবীর সর্ববৃহৎ রথযাত্রা পুরীর জগন্নাথ দেবের মন্দিরে আনুমানিক ১৫ লক্ষ ভক্ত ও দর্শনার্থীর সমাবেশ.
নবনির্মিত দিঘার জগন্নাথধামে প্রথমবার রথযাত্রা উৎসবের শুভ সূচনা ।
