COIMBATORE: The act of pelting trains with stones by miscreants and juveniles continues to pose a grave threat to passenger safety, railway property, and smooth train operations. This persistent issue has prompted the Salem division of Southern Railway to intensify preventive measures and launch extensive awareness campaigns across the region.
Rising Cases and Arrests
According to railway officials, a total of 38 cases of stone-pelting were registered in 2025, leading to the arrest of 35 offenders. So far in 2026, six such incidents have been reported, and six cases have been registered. Investigations conducted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) have revealed that five juveniles were involved in two of the recent cases, while an adult repeat offender was implicated in another case.
Root Causes and Consequences
Officials noted that many such incidents are committed by children playing near railway tracks without realising the severe consequences of their actions. Railway authorities have warned that stone-pelting can cause serious injuries to passengers, damage railway property, and disrupt train services. The RPF has therefore launched extensive awareness programmes at schools, colleges, temples, churches, and mosques across the division.
Preventive Campaigns and Legal Action
The campaigns focus on educating the public, particularly children, about the dangers of stone-pelting and the legal action that can follow. The RPF has reiterated that pelting trains with stones is a punishable offence under the Railways Act, 1989, and offenders will face strict legal action, including arrest and prosecution. Southern Railway has appealed to residents living near railway tracks, passengers, and stakeholders to immediately report any suspicious activities near railway premises to the RPF or police authorities.
These efforts aim to curb the menace and ensure the safety of passengers and railway operations. The division remains committed to raising awareness and enforcing the law to prevent future incidents.
