Indian Railways has provided about 19,700 km of safety fencing along railway tracks across the country to prevent trespassing and facilitate safer train operations, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
The fencing has been installed along various railway sections, including those in Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, as part of measures to strengthen railway safety and prevent unauthorised access to tracks.
Safety fencing is also being provided at pedestrian subways to facilitate the safe movement of cattle, pedestrians and smaller vehicles across railway alignments.
Measures to curb stone pelting
The Railways has also intensified preventive and enforcement measures to tackle incidents of stone pelting on moving trains, which can endanger passengers and damage railway property.
Legal action is taken against people involved in stone pelting under relevant provisions of law. Regular drives are conducted against anti-social and mischievous elements, particularly at identified vulnerable sections and black spots where such incidents are frequently reported.
Train escort teams have been instructed to remain particularly vigilant in vulnerable areas. The Railways is also conducting awareness programmes, including Operation Sathi, in communities located near railway tracks to educate residents about the dangers and consequences of stone pelting.
Detailed guidelines have been issued to railway authorities on preventing and responding to stone-pelting incidents. The Railways analyses reported cases and undertakes measures to address vulnerable locations and curb their recurrence.
Coordination with police agencies
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) maintains regular coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP) and local police and shares critical information to strengthen action against those involved in stone pelting and other offences affecting railway safety.
At the state and Union Territory levels, State Level Security Committees of Railways (SLSCR) have been constituted under the chairmanship of the respective Directors General of Police or Commissioners. These committees periodically monitor and review railway security arrangements.
Vaishnaw said safety of train operations remains a top priority for Indian Railways, with fencing, enforcement, community awareness and coordination with security agencies forming part of the broader effort to protect passengers, railway infrastructure and ensure safe train movement.
