Feb 16, 2025:In recent weeks, a surge of alarming videos has surfaced on social media platforms, depicting rampant stone-pelting incidents on trains traveling from Bihar to Prayagraj. These acts of vandalism have not only caused significant damage to railway property but have also endangered the lives of countless passengers. The recurrence of such events raises pressing questions about the efficacy of railway management and the accountability of those responsible for passenger safety.
The menace of stone-pelting on moving trains is not a novel issue. In 2022 alone, the Indian Railways reported over 1,500 cases of such incidents, leading to the arrest of more than 400 individuals . Despite these figures, the recent spate of attacks on the Bihar-Prayagraj route indicates a troubling escalation. Passengers have reported shattered windows, injuries, and a pervasive sense of fear while traveling.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has previously addressed concerns regarding passenger safety, assuring that strict action would be taken against perpetrators of stone-pelting . The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been actively involved in arresting offenders and conducting awareness drives to educate communities residing near railway tracks. However, the persistence of these incidents suggests that current measures may be insufficient.
In an effort to deter such acts, the Railways initiated the installation of CCTV cameras along tracks, especially on routes frequented by premium trains like the Vande Bharat Express . While this move aims to enhance surveillance and facilitate prompt action against miscreants, its effectiveness on the Bihar-Prayagraj route remains under scrutiny.
The recurrence of these violent episodes has ignited a debate over accountability. Passengers and advocacy groups are questioning the role of railway management in ensuring safety. The RPF's efforts, though commendable, appear reactive rather than preventive. There is a growing demand for a comprehensive strategy that includes community engagement, technological upgrades, and stricter enforcement of laws to safeguard passengers.
The stone-pelting incidents on the Bihar-Prayagraj trains underscore a critical lapse in passenger safety and railway management. As social media continues to amplify these distressing events, it becomes imperative for authorities to adopt a multifaceted approach to address the root causes and implement robust preventive measures. Ensuring the safety of passengers is not just a mandate but a moral obligation that the Indian Railways must fulfill with urgency and diligence.
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