New Delhi: Railway Protection Force (RPF)’s decision to deploy drones along tracks in the city seems to have succeeded in reducing stone-pelting incidents targeting trains over a year.Senior divisional security commissioner (RPF) Ashutosh Pandey said two drones were currently being used to monitor vulnerable stretches. The surveillance has emerged as one of the key factors behind a 146% increase in the arrest of offenders involved in such acts, said sources.The RPF data accessed by TOI shows that in 2025, till May, 176 stone-pelting incidents were reported. Of these, 144 cases were registered under Railways Act and 32 arrests were made. In the corresponding period of 2026, the number of incidents dropped to 144, while 138 cases were registered and 79 arrests were made.Pandey said, “The Adarsh Nagar-Narela-Panipat section is among the most affected. Whenever a train passes through the area, our personnel deploy drones and monitor movements in real time. If any suspicious activity is detected, nearby teams are alerted immediately. This has led to the arrest of several offenders.”According to RPF data, no cases were registered in 32 incidents last year as they involved 37 children. This year, 11 children were found involved in six such incidents, and no cases were registered against them either.An RPF officer said the lack of education and awareness among children living near railway tracks is a major factor behind many stone-pelting incidents. “Many of these children do not attend school and spend their time playing near railway tracks. Out of mischief, they throw stones, and at times, trains become unintended targets,” he said.In its report, RPF has also identified several other factors, including presence of anti-social elements and habitual offenders in unauthorised settlements and jhuggi clusters along railway tracks in National Capital Region. Officers said some people also indulged in stone-pelting after consuming alcohol.Another major concern is the widespread use of unauthorised crossings along railway tracks. According to officials, people using these routes often become frustrated when forced to wait for passing trains and occasionally throw stones at trains.RPF has also observed that workers employed in small factories located near railway tracks sometimes cross tracks illegally for their commute. Delays caused by halted trains at such locations have, in some cases, also triggered similar unruly behaviour.To address the issue among children, RPF has initiated counselling and awareness measures. The parents of such children aged six to 12 are asked to furnish bonds undertaking that they will monitor their children and ensure that they do not engage in such activities in future.RPF has also partnered with NGOs to engage children living in these jhuggi clusters in educational activities during peak hours when stone-pelting incidents are most likely to occur.Meetings are conducted with parents, who are advised not to allow their children to play near railway tracks due to safety risks. They are also educated about the serious consequences of stone-pelting on trains and passengers.Solar-powered CCTV cameras have also been installed in phases — 36 in the first phase and 40 in the second, while 50 are currently being installed.Officers noted that children were often attracted to premium trains such as Shatabdi and Rajdhani due to their large glass windows and threw stones at them.
