Parliament Question: Passenger Security and On-Board Safety

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1623 TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2026 PASSENGER SECURITY AND ON-BOARD SAFETY 1623. SHRI KARTI P CHIDAMBARAM: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) the total number of incidents of physical assault and violence reported on Railways premises between 2023 and 2026, year and zone-wise; (b) whether the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has conducted a safety audit of station platforms and coaches, specifically in light of the June 2026 incident where a passenger was fatally stabbed in a first-class compartment of a Mumbai local train following a dispute over closing the door and if so, the details thereof; and (c) whether the Government plans to address the rising trend of violence sparked by minor disagreements in crowded transit environments? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (c): ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. Therefore, State Governments are responsible for prevention, detection, registration and investigation of crime and maintenance of law and order on Railways. State Governments maintain law & order through Government Railway Police (GRP) and District Police. Railway Protection Force (RPF) supplements the efforts of GRP/District Police to provide better protection and security to railway property, passenger area and passengers and for matters connected therewith. § Page 1 of 3The numbers of incidents of crime against passengers reported in Railways are published state-wise by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). On 23rd June 2026, an incident of stabbing was reported in train no. 90963 (Churchgate–Nalasopara Fast Local), in first-class coach shortly after its departure from Andheri station. This was an outcome of the altercation arose between two passengers following a dispute over closing the coach doors due to rain. In connection with the incident, GRP Borivali registered Crime No. 630/2026 under Section 103(1) of the BNS. The assailant was subsequently arrested by GRP Borivali. The following steps are being taken by the Railways in coordination with GRP/Local Police for safety and security of passengers in trains and at stations:- i. On vulnerable and identified routes/sections, trains are escorted by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) in addition to those escorted by the Government Railway Police (GRP) of various States. Zonal Railways have been instructed for deployment of an appropriate combined strength of male and female RPF/RPSF personnel in train escort parties, to the extent possible. ii. Surveillance is kept through CCTV cameras provided in number of coaches and railway stations for enhanced security of passengers. iii. RailMadad is Indian Railways online grievance redressal mechanism that provides passengers an integrated platform for raising grievances, seeking assistance and inquiry. In RailMadad, passengers can seek redressal through multiple channels such as Helpline number-139, RailMadad Web, App and SMS. RailMadad also allows passengers to share feedback on the resolution of their grievances. Page 2 of 3iv. Frequent announcements are made through Public Address System to educate passengers on precautionary measures for their safety and security. v. Railways are in regular touch with passengers through various social media platforms like. Twitter, Facebook, etc. to enhance security of passengers and to address their security concerns. vi. With a view to strengthen the surveillance mechanism at sensitive railway stations, an Integrated Security System (ISS) has been installed, comprising a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance system with analytical features, access control, personal baggage screening systems, Hand Held Metal Detectors (HHMDs), Bomb Detection Systems (BDS), drone-based surveillance and vehicle scanning systems (UVSS). Sniffer dogs are also deployed across different Zonal Railways for detection of explosives. vii. Drives are conducted to restrict entry of male passengers into the compartments reserved for ladies and the offenders are prosecuted under relevant law. viii. State Level Security Committee of Railways (SLSCR) have been constituted for all State/Union Territories under the Chairmanship of respective Director General of Police/Commissioner of States/Union Territories for regular monitoring and review of security arrangements of the Railways. ix. Biannual Conferences of GRP Chief with Ministry of Railways are conducted to enhance coordination between the Ministry of Railways and States. ***** Page 3 of 3