Security Concerns Mount as Malda Emerges as Hub for Train Vandalism
The vulnerability of India's flagship trains was starkly exposed on January 17, just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi was set to flag off the nation's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town station in West Bengal. This incident underscores a growing security crisis that threatens to derail the Ministry of Railways' most ambitious projects, including the transition to ultra-high-speed rail networks.
Alarming Statistics Highlight a Localized Threat
According to recent data from the Eastern Railway zone, nearly 150 incidents of stone-pelting have been recorded over the past year, with Malda district officially designated as a primary hotspot. This localized surge in vandalism is unparalleled nationwide and poses a direct threat to premium rakes like the newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper and upcoming Bullet Train corridors. In response, railway officers have expressed deep concern, noting that such attacks compromise passenger safety and hinder operational efficiency.
The January 17 attack occurred despite intelligence reports from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) warning local police of a planned assault. Miscreants targeted the prestigious Vande Bharat Sleeper while it was stationed in the yard, resulting in shattered window panes. This event followed chaos in nearby Beldanga, Murshidabad, where mobs blocked NH-12 and squatted on tracks, damaging infrastructure and terrifying passengers.
National Context and Zero-Tolerance Response
The problem extends beyond West Bengal, with the Railways registering 1,698 cases of vandalism across India between July and December 2025, leading to 665 arrests. In the Eastern Railway zone alone, 133 individuals have been arrested in connection with the 150 stone-pelting incidents. A senior officer emphasized, "We cannot move toward 180 km/h or 320 km/h operations if the safety of our commuters is compromised by a handful of miscreants."
To combat what is being termed the 'Malda Menace,' the Railways has implemented a zero-tolerance policy. Measures include installing high-definition, solar-powered cameras on vulnerable stretches to identify attackers in real-time. However, officials acknowledge that technology alone is insufficient without stringent local police intervention. The RPF has reminded the public that stone-pelting is a serious criminal offence under the Railway Act, 1989, with penalties including up to five years in prison for endangering passengers.
Root Causes and Public Awareness Initiatives
While some incidents stem from organized protests, such as those involving migrant worker grievances, officers suggest a more systemic social issue. "Most of the time, the intention is not planned; it's a casual approach by unemployed individuals," an officer noted. In response, authorities have launched massive awareness drives in schools and villages adjacent to railway tracks, aiming to educate communities about the dangers and legal consequences of vandalism.
The Southern and Eastern Railways have also appealed to the public to use the toll-free helpline 139 to report trespassing or vandalism, reiterating that "Railways' property is public property and its protection is everyone's responsibility." As India accelerates its rail modernization efforts, addressing this security crisis in Malda is crucial to ensuring the safety and success of high-speed rail projects nationwide.
