Vande Bharat Express attacked with stones near Surat
Source:organiser ↗
Why It Matters
The recurring incidents of vandalism against high-speed, modernized trains like the Vande Bharat Express raise concerns about internal security, the protection of critical national infrastructure, and the safety of VIPs in public transit.
Summary
A stone-pelting incident occurred on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express near Surat, breaking a window coach. Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, who was on board, remained safe. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) quickly detained a suspected youth and registered a case, emphasizing the ongoing security challenges for India's high-speed rail infrastructure.
Key Points
- The Mumbai-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express was attacked with stones near Surat, resulting in a broken window.
- Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel was traveling on the targeted train but was unharmed.
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF) detained a youth in connection with the vandalism.
- The event highlights ongoing security and vandalism challenges facing India's modernized railway infrastructure.
Important Terms
Vande Bharat Express
India's flagship indigenous semi-high-speed train, manufactured under the "Make in India" initiative. It operates without a separate locomotive, features advanced safety systems like KAVACH, and represents a major leap in modernising India's rail infrastructure.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure). Tests knowledge of indigenous technology, transportation modernisation, and securing critical national infrastructure against sabotage or attacks.
Railway Protection Force (RPF)
A statutory armed force of the Union under the Ministry of Railways, established by the RPF Act 1957. It is mandated to protect and secure railway property, passenger areas, and ensure the safety of railway passengers.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Internal Security). Highlights the role of statutory armed forces in protecting critical public infrastructure and maintaining law and order.
Indian Railways
A critical national infrastructure and one of the world's largest rail networks. Governed by the Ministry of Railways, it serves as the economic backbone for freight and passenger transport, currently undergoing extensive modernization.
UPSC context
GS Paper 3 (Economy & Infrastructure). Relevant for evaluating India's transportation lifelines, economic development, and their vulnerability to internal security threats.
Prelims Trap
"The RPF has exclusive jurisdiction over law and order and criminal investigation on Indian Railways."
Law and order on railways is a State subject handled by the Government Railway Police (GRP). RPF protects railway property and assists GRP.
Static Concepts Connected
What is the distributed traction technology used in the Vande Bharat Express?
- Self-powered cars: Passenger coaches are self-propelled, eliminating the need for a separate, heavy locomotive pulling from the front.
- Faster transit: Distributed power allows for rapid acceleration and deceleration, significantly reducing overall travel time between stations.
- Make in India: The train sets are designed and manufactured indigenously by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.
What are the distinct roles of the RPF and GRP in railway security?
- RPF mandate: A Union statutory armed force (RPF Act, 1957) tasked specifically with protecting railway property, assets, and passenger areas.
- GRP mandate: A State police wing responsible for core law and order, including registering and investigating standard criminal cases (like theft) on trains.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Critical infrastructure vs Internal security
Vandalism of high-speed rail assets links 'Make in India' transport modernization with internal security and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
Railway Act vs Penal Code
Endangering passenger safety invokes Sections 153/154 of the Railways Act, operating alongside standard penal code provisions for public property damage.
Expect a multi-statement question on Vande Bharat's distributed traction technology combined with the statutory jurisdiction of RPF vs GRP.
Linked PYQs · 2
Linked PYQs · 2
- 2024GPSC_PRELIMSGS1
A man standing near a railway track observes that a train passes him in 80 seconds but to pass by a 180m long bridge, the same train takes 200 seconds. What is the speed of the train?
- 2024GPSC_PRELIMSGS1
A goods train leaves a station at a certain time and at a fixed speed. After 6 hours, an express train leaves the same station and moves in the same direction as the goods train, at a uniform speed of 90 kmph. This train crosses the goods train in 4 hours. What is the speed of the goods train?
