Mumbai’s suburban railway network, the city’s lifeline, is facing a growing menace of stone-pelting incidents that have escalated into a serious safety hazard for lakhs of daily commuters. Despite safety measures such as iron grills on train windows, passengers—especially women standing near doors—have increasingly become direct targets.
In the past three weeks alone, three women sustained serious injuries on the Harbour Line, highlighting the gravity of the issue. According to Central Railway, nearly 30 such cases are reported annually in its Mumbai division, while Western Railway records 10–12 incidents each year.
Experts note that most stone-pelters are children, while others include substance abusers and individuals with psychological disorders. Psychiatrist Dr. Harish Shetty described it as “a cry for attention, boredom, and rebellion,” while former railway security chiefs stressed that punishment alone will not solve the problem. Instead, they call for community engagement through education, sports, and arts to channel the energy of marginalized youth.
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have stepped up patrols, installed surveillance cameras at vulnerable spots, and launched community rehabilitation drives like “Operation Dignity.” Still, passengers continue to live in fear.
“This is not just mischief—it’s a crime and a social problem,” a senior railway official said, urging for a coordinated effort involving railways, police, NGOs, and local communities.
Only a combination of enforcement, awareness, and social rehabilitation, experts warn, can ensure Mumbai’s trains remain safe for the millions who rely on them daily.
