Indian Railways Cracks Down on Crime: Over 52,000 Arrests
RPF detained a number of ticketless people at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Station this week (Image TRH)
Stone pelting sees 8,441 arrests; only three derailments linked to miscreants between 2021–2025
By AMIT KUMAR
New Delhi, March 26, 2026 — In a major push to strengthen passenger safety and railway security, Indian Railways has reported over 52,000 arrests and more than 50,000 court complaints against offenders over the last five years. According to data released by Press Information Bureau on Wednesday, a total of 52,494 individuals were arrested under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1966 between 2021 and 2025, with complaints filed against 50,432 offenders in designated courts.
The enforcement drive, led by the Railway Protection Force in coordination with the Government Railway Police (GRP), has also targeted incidents of stone pelting—a persistent safety concern. During the same period, 12,157 such incidents were recorded, leading to the arrest of 8,441 individuals. Officials said the crackdown reflects a sustained effort to deter acts that endanger passenger safety and disrupt train operations.
Despite these challenges, railway authorities highlighted a significant safety milestone: only three derailments in the past five years were attributed to miscreant activities. These incidents occurred in the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway, Jhansi Division of North Central Railway, and Chennai Division of Southern Railway, underscoring the effectiveness of preventive measures across the network.
To further curb sabotage and criminal interference, Indian Railways has intensified surveillance and coordination mechanisms. Regular State Level Security Committee meetings are being held under the leadership of state police chiefs, with participation from RPF, GRP, and intelligence agencies. Dedicated intelligence wings, including the Crime Intelligence Branch (CIB) and Special Intelligence Branch (SIB), are actively monitoring threats and sharing inputs with central and state agencies.
Railway authorities have also ramped up on-ground vigilance through frequent patrolling of vulnerable sections, removal of debris near tracks, and public awareness campaigns targeting communities living along railway lines. The use of drones and solar-powered CCTV systems has been expanded to enhance real-time monitoring and deter potential threats.
Officials said the multi-layered approach—combining enforcement, technology, and community engagement—has played a key role in improving safety outcomes, even as efforts continue to further secure one of the world’s largest rail networks.
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