Railways steps up fencing, surveillance and awareness measures while taking legal action against stone-pelting offenders

Key Highlights

• Around 19,700 km of railway track has been provided with safety fencing across Indian Railways.
• Fencing is also being provided at pedestrian subways to facilitate safer crossing by pedestrians, cattle and smaller vehicles.
• Railways is conducting regular drives against anti-social elements at vulnerable sections and identified hotspots.
• Operation Sathi and other awareness programmes are being used to discourage stone pelting on trains.
• RPF is coordinating with GRP and local police to prevent incidents and prosecute offenders.

Indian Railways has provided approximately 19,700 km of safety fencing along railway tracks as part of measures to prevent trespassing and strengthen the safety of train operations.

The fencing covers railway sections across several states, including Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, according to information provided by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in the Lok Sabha.

Fencing aimed at reducing trespassing

Safety of train operations has been accorded top priority by Indian Railways, with fencing being used to prevent unauthorised access to railway tracks.

Safety fencing is also being provided at pedestrian subways to facilitate safer crossing of railway alignments by pedestrians, cattle and smaller vehicles.

The measure is particularly relevant around populated areas and sections where uncontrolled movement across railway tracks can pose risks to passengers, pedestrians and train operations.

Railways intensifies action against stone pelting

Indian Railways is also taking preventive and legal measures against stone pelting on moving trains, with offenders being prosecuted under relevant provisions of law.

Regular drives are conducted against anti-social and disruptive elements, including at identified vulnerable sections and hotspots where such incidents have been reported.

Train escorting teams have also been sensitised to maintain greater vigilance at vulnerable locations.

Operation Sathi used to create awareness

Railways is conducting awareness programmes, including Operation Sathi, in inhabited areas located alongside railway tracks.

The programmes aim to educate local communities about the dangers and consequences of stone pelting on trains and discourage such activities.

Railways has also issued detailed guidelines for dealing with stone-pelting incidents. Incidents are analysed to identify vulnerable locations and support further preventive action.

RPF coordinates with police agencies

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) maintains regular coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police, including sharing critical information to control incidents of stone pelting.

State Level Security Committees of Railways (SLSCR) have also been constituted for all states and Union Territories. These committees, chaired by the respective Director General of Police or Commissioner, are responsible for regular monitoring and review of railway security arrangements.

Impact on travel, tourism and hospitality

Improved railway safety has a direct bearing on passenger confidence and the wider travel ecosystem.

Safer train journeys: Track fencing and stronger security measures can reduce risks associated with trespassing and unauthorised access to railway infrastructure.

Passenger confidence: Action against stone pelting and other disruptive activities can contribute to a safer onboard experience, particularly on busy passenger routes.

Tourism connectivity: Rail remains a major mode of domestic tourist travel. Improved safety can support greater confidence among leisure travellers using trains to reach destinations across India.

Hospitality sector: Safer and more reliable rail travel can indirectly benefit hotels, restaurants, tour operators, local transport providers and attractions by supporting passenger movement between cities and tourist destinations.

Community awareness: Programmes such as Operation Sathi can help build greater awareness among communities living alongside railway tracks, making local participation an important part of railway safety.

Bottom line

With approximately 19,700 km of track fencing already provided, alongside intensified action against stone pelting, community awareness campaigns and coordination with state police agencies, Indian Railways is strengthening safety across its network. For the tourism and hospitality industry, safer rail operations can contribute to greater passenger confidence and more dependable connectivity to destinations across India.