A group of young men recently disrupted the tracks of a Vande Bharat Express train to create a video for social media. The footage shows them placing large wooden logs across the high-speed railway tracks, causing the train to halt.
In the video, the men can be heard shouting, "Vande Bharat rukwa diye" (We stopped the Vande Bharat) while laughing. The camera then cuts to show the train halted on a remote stretch of track. A police constable on board approached, assuming the men were attempting to board the train. The group clarified, “Nahi, ghus rahe the, video shoot kar rahe the” (We weren't trying to board, we were filming a video).
The video spread quickly across X, with many users tagging relevant authorities and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
One user expressed, “Stopping Vande Bharat and jeopardising the lives of passengers by placing wooden logs to make reels should be treated as an act of terrorism. I request the Rail Minister and [Railway Police Force] to arrest them all and work with the state government to invoke the NSA against them.”
Another user questioned, “If this is not terrorism, then what is, Ashwini Vaishnaw?”
Many users labelled the actions as "shameful" and "reckless."
Under Section 150 of the Railways Act, 1989, individuals who deliberately interfere with a train such as by placing objects like logs or stones on the tracks could face life imprisonment or up to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment.
First-time offenders could face a minimum sentence of three years, while repeat offenders may be sentenced to seven years or more.
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Section 174 of the Railways Act makes it a criminal offence to obstruct train operations, with penalties including up to two years in prison, a fine of up to Rs 2,000, or both.
Trespassing on railway tracks, under Section 147, carries a penalty of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to Rs 1,000, or both. Similarly, obstructing railway staff in the performance of their duties under Section 146 can result in similar penalties.
Indian Railways also enforces strict regulations regarding unsafe practices, such as pulling emergency chains without reason, smoking on platforms, and illegally crossing tracks all of which can result in fines or legal consequences.In a reckless attempt to create viral social media content, a group of young men in Uttar Pradesh (near the Lalpur railway crossing in the Amroha-Moradabad section) intentionally blocked the tracks of the Vande Bharat Express by placing heavy wooden logs and boulders across the rails.
The incident, which has sparked massive outrage online, was reportedly filmed by the culprits themselves under the slogan "Vande Bharat ko rukwa kar rahengay" (We will make sure the Vande Bharat stops).
Details of the Incident
The Act: The individuals placed large tree trunks and stones on the track to force the high-speed train to come to a grinding halt, all while filming the event for a social media reel.
Safety Breach: The loco pilot was forced to apply emergency brakes after spotting the obstruction. Such an act poses a severe risk of derailment, potentially endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers.
Legal Action: The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police took immediate note of the viral video. Reports indicate that several individuals have been identified and booked under various sections of the Railways Act, which carries strict penalties, including imprisonment.
Why "Reel Culture" is Becoming a Safety Crisis
This is part of a dangerous growing trend where creators risk public safety for "clout." Similar incidents have been reported across India involving:
Track Obstruction: Placing coins, stones, or gas cylinders on tracks to see them get crushed.
Edge-Walking: Standing inches away from a speeding train for a "cinematic" shot.
Stone Pelting: While not always for reels, the Vande Bharat has frequently been a target of vandalism, leading to reinforced "shatter-proof" glass in newer models.
Penalties under the Railways Act
| Section | Offense | Potential Penalty |
| Section 153 | Endangering safety of persons traveling by railway by willful act | Up to 5 years imprisonment |
| Section 154 | Endangering safety by negligent act | Up to 1 year imprisonment or fine |
| Section 147 | Trespassing on railway property | Up to 6 months or fine |
Important Note: Railway authorities have reiterated that tracks are "prohibited zones." Modern locomotives are now equipped with high-resolution dashcams and black boxes, making it nearly impossible for vandals to escape identification.
Would you like to know more about the safety features NASA-inspired tech brings to the newer Vande Bharat models, or perhaps more on the legal consequences for these specific individuals?
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