RPF Arrests Man for Stone Pelting on Vande Bharat Express in Kerala
The arrest of a youth for allegedly throwing a stone at a Vande Bharat Express in Kerala has once again raised concerns about passenger safety and the costly damage caused by such acts. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) identified the accused as Azharudeen AK (23) , a resident of Thayyil in Kannur district. He allegedly hurled a stone at the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express on the night of February 8 between Thalassery and Kannur railway stations, shattering a windowpane and causing damage estimated at ₹25,000. An RPF team led by Inspector Varghese J traced and apprehended the suspect following an investigation. Although five others were reportedly present at the scene, officials said the act was carried out by the accused alone. He will be produced before the concerned court.
The incident reflects a broader pattern of vandalism affecting railway operations across the country. Railway records indicate that more than 20 stone-pelting incidents involving Vande Bharat trains were reported in 2025 , while across the national network over 1,600 such cases were recorded within six months , resulting in hundreds of arrests. Officials warn that these acts pose serious risks to passengers, especially at high speeds, and damage specialised safety glass and onboard equipment. Surveillance, patrols and public awareness campaigns have been intensified along vulnerable stretches to deter such incidents.
The financial impact of such damage is significant given the advanced technology and premium amenities onboard Vande Bharat trains. Operating a Vande Bharat service costs an estimated ₹5–8 lakh per day , covering traction power, crew, cleaning, catering and routine servicing. Maintenance alone accounts for roughly ₹1–1.5 lakh per day , reflecting the upkeep required for automatic doors, advanced braking systems, onboard electronics and passenger comfort systems. Running costs are estimated at ₹5–8 lakh per 1,000 kilometres.
To support the expanding fleet, Indian Railways is investing heavily in maintenance infrastructure. The national transporter has planned investments exceeding ₹14,000 crore to build and upgrade dedicated maintenance depots for Vande Bharat trains. Individual depots can cost between ₹135 crore and ₹300 crore , while modern facilities such as the Nishatpura maintenance hub near Bhopal are estimated at about ₹150 crore. Parliamentary data suggests lifecycle maintenance expenditure may average around 4% of a trainset’s capital cost annually . With each Vande Bharat trainset costing approximately ₹115–₹120 crore , long-term upkeep represents a substantial recurring commitment.
As the network expands to more than 160 services nationwide , including upcoming sleeper and next-generation variants, maintenance requirements and operational responsibilities will continue to grow. Railway officials stress that vandalism such as stone-pelting not only endangers passengers but also damages costly public assets and increases maintenance expenditure. Offenders face imprisonment and fines under the Railways Act, and authorities say enforcement and community awareness efforts will be strengthened to safeguard the country’s flagship train services.