RPF drones cut train stone pelting and boost arrests in Adarsh Nagar and Narela
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has successfully reduced stone-pelting incidents targeting trains along the Adarsh Nagar-Narela-Panipat section in Delhi by deploying real-time drone surveillance. Comparing the period of January to May in 2025 against the same period in 2026, the security initiative led to a 146 percent increase in the arrest of offenders alongside a drop in overall incidents.
According to RPF data, stone-pelting incidents dropped from 176 in the first five months of 2025 to 144 during the same period in 2026. Meanwhile, the number of arrests of offenders involved in these acts rose from 32 to 79. The number of registered cases under the Railways Act also saw a slight decrease, with 144 cases registered in 2025 compared to 138 cases in 2026.
Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey stated that two drones are currently being used to monitor vulnerable stretches. Whenever a train passes through the Adarsh Nagar-Narela-Panipat area, RPF personnel deploy the drones to monitor movements in real time. If any suspicious activity is detected, nearby security teams are alerted immediately to apprehend the offenders.
RPF officers identified several factors behind the stone-pelting, including mischief by local children living in nearby jhuggi clusters and unauthorised settlements along the tracks. In 2025, 37 children were found involved in 32 incidents, while 11 children were found involved in six incidents in 2026. No cases were registered against these children in either year.
Officers noted that lack of education and awareness among children, who often play near the tracks, contributes to the issue, with premium trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi frequently targeted due to their large glass windows. Other factors contributing to the incidents include anti-social elements, individuals consuming alcohol, and frustrated commuters using unauthorised track crossings who face delays due to passing trains.
To address the issue among children, the RPF has initiated counselling and awareness programs. Parents of children aged six to 12 are required to sign bonds undertaking to monitor their children. The RPF has also partnered with NGOs to engage children in educational activities during peak hours. Additionally, solar-powered CCTV cameras are being installed in phases, with 36 cameras set up in the first phase, 40 in the second phase, and 50 currently being installed.
