Salem railway division intensifies measures against pelting trains with stones

COIMBATORE: Pelting trains with stones by miscreants and juveniles continues to pose a grave threat to passenger safety, railway property and smooth train operations, prompting the Salem division of Southern Railway to intensify preventive measures and awareness campaigns. According to railway officials, 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 by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) revealed that five juveniles were involved in two of the recent cases, while an adult repeat offender was involved in another case. Officials said many such incidents are committed by children playing near railway tracks without realising the severe consequences of their actions.

Railway authorities warned that stone-pelting can cause serious injuries to passengers, damage railway property and disrupt train services. To curb the menace, the RPF has launched extensive awareness programmes at schools, colleges, temples, churches and mosques across the division. The campaigns focus on educating the public, particularly children, about the dangers of stone-pelting and the legal action that can follow.

The RPF 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 suspicious activities near railway premises to the RPF or police authorities.