Pune: Stone-pelting incidents on moving trains have become a serious concern in the Pune railway division, with a total of 57 cases reported in 2024. These incidents have primarily occurred on the Pune-Lonavala and Pune-Daund routes, prompting railway authorities to take preventive measures and identify hotspots for stone pelting.

The Pune division is a critical part of the Central Railway network, comprising three major routes: Pune-Lonavala, Pune-Miraj, and Pune-Daund. Over 200 trains operate daily on these routes, including local trains, DEMUs, and express trains. Despite the importance of these lines, stone-pelting incidents have endangered the lives of passengers, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.

Hotspot Locations for Stone-Pelting

The areas most affected by stone-pelting incidents include Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ghorpadi, Loni Kalbhor, Shivajinagar, Manjari, Uruli Kanchan, Akurdi, Talegaon station, Kasarwadi, Yavat, and Karad.

Efforts to Identify and Prosecute Offenders

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has been actively addressing this issue. Of the 57 incidents reported last year, culprits were identified in 26 cases. A total of 37 offenders were apprehended and prosecuted under the Railway Act. The courts imposed fines amounting to ₹10,200 on these individuals. Despite these efforts, a significant number of offenders remain unidentified, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and action.

Preventive Measures to Reduce Incidents

To tackle this issue, the RPF has been conducting awareness campaigns in slum areas located near railway tracks, educating residents about the dangers and consequences of stone pelting. Additionally, passengers are urged to keep windows and doors closed while traveling. The railway administration has reported a noticeable decline in incidents over the past few months due to these efforts.