On August 23, a stone‑throwing incident near Bihta station shattered a window of the Patna‑Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express. The Railway Protection Force promptly filed a case under Section 153 of the Railways Act, and joint patrols have been intensified to deter future attacks.

  • A stone‑throwing incident near Bihta station damaged the window of Vande Bharat Express.
  • RPF registered a case under Section 153 of the Railways Act against unidentified perpetrators.
  • Joint RPF‑GRP patrolling has been stepped up to prevent similar incidents.

At approximately 6:40 a.m. on August 23, the Patna‑Gomti Nagar Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22345) was passing near Bihta station when a stone struck coach C‑6, cracking its glass pane. The East Central Railway’s Danapur Division confirmed the damage in an official statement.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel arrived on the scene within minutes, cordoned the area, and lodged a criminal case under Section 153 of the Railways Act, which penalises acts of violence against railway property.

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Investigators are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the train and surrounding infrastructure to identify the assailants. Authorities stress that video evidence is critical for swift prosecution.

According to railway data, 1,698 stone‑pelting cases were reported across the network between July and December 2025, resulting in 665 arrests. The surge in such incidents has prompted a nationwide review of security protocols.

Under the Railways Act of 1989, Sections 153 and 154 classify stone‑throwing as a criminal offence, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The Ministry of Railways has repeatedly warned that offenders will face strict legal consequences.

The ministry reiterated that any individual caught engaging in stone‑pelting or related vandalism will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, underscoring a zero‑tolerance stance.

Historical Background

Incidents of stone‑throwing against trains have risen steadily over the past decade, jeopardising passenger safety and causing costly damage to high‑value rolling stock. In response, Indian Railways has deployed additional security forces, expanded CCTV coverage, and launched community‑awareness campaigns in vulnerable regions.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such vandalism not only disrupts high‑speed connectivity but also erodes public confidence in India's flagship rail projects, potentially affecting future investments in rail infrastructure.

"An attack on a Vande Bharat train strikes at the heart of India's high‑speed ambitions and national security," said rail safety expert Dr. Anjali Mehta.
Did You Know?: The Vande Bharat Express is India's first indigenously built semi‑high‑speed train, capable of reaching speeds up to 180 km/h.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Will passengers receive any compensation for damage caused by stone‑pelting?

Answer: Compensation is determined on a case‑by‑case basis through the legal process; it is not automatically granted.

Question 2: What measures are being taken to prevent future stone‑pelting incidents?

Answer: The railway has increased joint RPF‑GRP patrols, expanded CCTV surveillance, and intensified community outreach programs in high‑risk areas.