What is the impact of Stone Pelting on Indian Railways?

Stone pelting incidents on Indian Railways have become a growing concern, not just for the authorities but also for the millions of passengers who rely on the railway system daily. This seemingly minor act has significant consequences, ranging from injuries to passengers and staff to financial losses for the railways.

In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted impact of stone pelting, its causes, and the measures being taken to address this menace.

What is Stone Pelting on Trains?

Stone pelting refers to the act of throwing stones or other objects at moving trains. While it might appear to be a mischievous act by miscreants or children, it can have severe consequences. Moving trains often travel at high speeds, and any object hitting them can cause damage to the train or serious injuries to those inside.

Why am I writing this blog?: A real story with me!

I was studying in class 9 in 1996. At that time, Ekadashi festival was celebrated 11 days after Diwali in the village. As per the tradition of the village, we used to burn some straw or old tyres and run in the fields. I did not know its meaning but probably we were doing this to scare away wild animals.

If you know, then please tell us the real reason in the comments. So, while playing with some of my friends by burning old bicycle tyres, I reached a main road nearby. Due to ignorance and more frenzy, I and my friends started throwing the burning tyres in front of the vehicles passing by.

At that time, by mistake, a burning tyre fell on the bonnet of a vehicle and as soon as that vehicle stopped after going some distance, we got scared and ran away from there and hid in our respective homes. After that, I was scared for many days and kept regretting my mistake. But I realized how harmful such incidents are when I was returning home from Lucknow in a passenger train during Holi during my higher education.

I and a person in front of me were sitting near the window. When the train was at a high speed after crossing Mohanlalganj, some children of the village who were grazing animals started throwing stones. Suddenly a stone passed through the window and hit the person sitting in front of me between the jaw and nose and he started bleeding immediately. I got very scared seeing his flowing blood and at the same time I realized the mistake I had made by throwing a burning tire in front of the vehicle. Today, through this blog, I am trying to tell that even if unknowingly, throwing stones on a moving vehicle can cause a huge loss of life and property.

Impact of Stone Pelting on Indian Railways

1. Passenger Safety and Injuries

One of the most direct impacts of stone throwing is on passenger safety. Stones thrown at running trains often shatter windows, causing injuries to passengers seated inside. In some cases, these injuries can be severe, leading to long-term disabilities or even fatalities.

Incidents of stone throwing create fear among travelers, especially those sitting by the windows.

Families traveling with children are particularly cautious, often choosing less desirable seats away from the windows.

2. Damage to Railway Property

The Indian Railways invests heavily in maintaining trains and ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers. However, stone pelting causes frequent damage to trains, including:

Shattered glass windows

Dented or damaged train exteriors

Damage to essential equipment like signal lights or cameras installed on locomotives

Repairing this damage not only incurs a financial cost but also disrupts the operations of the affected trains.

3. Psychological Impact on Passengers and Staff

Passengers who have experienced or witnessed stone pelting often report feeling anxious and unsafe during their journeys. For railway staff, especially drivers and guards, such incidents can lead to stress and distraction, which can impact their performance.

The constant threat of stone pelting can reduce the confidence of railway employees working in high-risk areas.

Passengers may avoid traveling by train, especially in regions where stone throwing incidents are frequent.

4. Operational Delays and Financial Losses

Trains affected by stone pelting often need to be stopped for inspections or repairs, leading to delays. These delays disrupt the railway timetable and inconvenience thousands of passengers. Additionally, the cost of repairing damaged trains adds to the financial burden on the Indian Railways.

Financial losses due to stone pelting run into crores annually.

Delays can also lead to a loss of public trust in the punctuality of train services.

5. Impact on Railway Reputation

Incidents of stone throwing tarnish the reputation of Indian Railways, which is one of the largest and oldest railway networks in the world. Regular occurrences of such acts reflect poorly on the safety measures implemented by the railways and may deter foreign tourists from opting for train travel in India.

Causes of Stone Pelting on Trains

Understanding the causes of stone throwing is essential to address the problem effectively. Some common reasons include:

1. Mischief by Children:

In many cases, children living near railway tracks engage in stone pelting out of curiosity or as a game.

2. Local Grievances:

Communities residing near railway tracks sometimes resort to stone pelting as a form of protest against unmet demands or grievances.

3. Lack of Awareness:

Many people are unaware of the severe consequences of stone pelting on trains.

Steps Taken by Indian Railways to Curb Stone Pelting

The Indian Railways, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has implemented several measures to reduce stone pelting incidents.

1. Awareness Campaigns

Educational campaigns are being conducted in areas near railway tracks to inform locals, especially children, about the dangers and consequences of stone pelting.

Posters and announcements are used to highlight the legal penalties for stone pelting.

Schools near railway tracks are involved in spreading awareness among students.

2. Increased Surveillance

Modern technology is being leveraged to monitor railway tracks and stations prone to stone throwing.

CCTV cameras are being installed on trains and at critical locations.

Drone surveillance is used in high-risk zones to monitor and deter such activities.

3. Community Engagement

The railways are engaging with local communities to address grievances and build trust. By involving local leaders, the railways aim to create a sense of responsibility among residents living near tracks.

4. Strict Legal Action

Stone pelting is a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Railways Act. Perpetrators can face imprisonment and hefty fines.

Law enforcement agencies are conducting regular patrols in vulnerable areas.

Quick action is taken against those caught indulging in stone pelting.

How Can the Public Help?

Preventing stone pelting requires collective efforts from the public, authorities, and the railways. Here’s how individuals can contribute:

1. Report Incidents:

If you witness stone pelting, report it to the railway authorities or the nearest police station.

2. Educate Others:

Spread awareness about the dangers of stone pelting in your community.

3. Encourage Responsible Behavior:

Teach children about the consequences of their actions and discourage them from engaging in such activities.

Conclusion

The menace of stone pelting on Indian Railways poses a serious threat to passenger safety, railway operations, and the overall reputation of the railways. While the authorities are taking significant steps to address this issue, public participation is equally crucial. By spreading awareness and taking responsibility, we can ensure a safer and more efficient railway system for everyone.

Let us all work together to put an end to stone pelting and make train travel a secure and enjoyable experience for millions of passengers across India.