New Delhi:
According to Delhi Railway security officials, two drones are currently being used to monitor sensitive areas. Combined surveillance by RPF personnel on the ground and drones in the sky has led to a 146% rise in arrests of those involved in such incidents, along with a decline in cases.
The Adarsh Nagar-Narela-Panipat section in Delhi is among the worst-affected stretches. Whenever a train passes through the area, personnel deploy drones to monitor real-time activity. If any suspicious movement is spotted, teams stationed near the tracks are immediately alerted. This has helped arrest several offenders.
Officials say lack of awareness among children is one of the main reasons behind stone-pelting incidents. An RPF officer said many children living near railway tracks do not attend school and often spend their time playing near the tracks. Some throw stones out of mischief, and trains sometimes become unintended targets.
Sources said the Railways is preparing to expand the use of AI and drones to all sensitive zones to curb such crimes.
According to a report, 176 incidents of stone-pelting were reported till May 2025, of which 144 cases were registered under the Railway Act and 32 people were arrested. In 2026 so far, the number of incidents has come down to 144, while 138 cases have been registered and 79 people have been arrested.
