The Government Railway Police (GRP) have ramped up security along suburban railway lines to tackle the rising threat posed by the notorious “Phatka Gang” and to prevent stone-pelting attacks on both local and express trains. The initiative comes after repeated incidents where commuters were targeted for theft while traveling, prompting authorities to focus on high-risk zones. GRP officials have conducted detailed surveys and identified around 60 locations across Central and Western Railway routes that are particularly vulnerable. These measures aim to strengthen commuter safety and curb the criminal activities that have plagued the railway network in recent years.
The Phatka Gang typically strikes passengers standing near train doors, using wooden or metal rods to snatch valuables such as mobile phones and wallets. In most cases, the stolen items fall onto the tracks, allowing gang members to quickly grab them before fleeing. These attacks have not only resulted in property loss but also caused serious injuries and, in some instances, fatalities. Commuters traveling during peak hours are especially at risk, as the gang exploits crowded conditions and poorly monitored stretches to carry out these opportunistic thefts efficiently.
To combat these crimes, the GRP has enhanced patrolling and surveillance along known hotspots. Security personnel now operate in two shifts, covering vulnerable sections such as poorly lit areas, dense bushes, and regions near bridge pillars where criminal activity is common. Drones are also being deployed to monitor train routes and provide real-time updates to officers on the ground. By combining manpower with technological monitoring, authorities aim to deter gang activity and prevent potential accidents or injuries caused by stone-pelting or theft attempts targeting passengers.
Of the 60 identified vulnerable locations, 39 fall under Central Railway, while 21 are within Western Railway’s jurisdiction. Commissioner M. Rakesh Kalasagar highlighted that over the years, incidents linked to the Phatka Gang have dropped significantly. Previously, around 80–85 cases were reported annually, but last year only 12 incidents were registered. Despite this decline, the gang continues to scout for new targets, prompting GRP to proactively identify potential risk points and deploy officers strategically to maintain constant vigilance and reduce crime further along suburban railway networks.
GRP officials have also issued strict warnings against stone-pelting on trains, emphasizing the severe risk it poses to passengers and railway staff. Perpetrators caught engaging in such acts will face stringent legal action under applicable laws. The police have reiterated that public safety remains a top priority, and enhanced enforcement measures will continue across high-risk zones. With these initiatives, railway authorities are confident that the combined efforts of increased patrolling, technological monitoring, and legal deterrence will lead to safer travel conditions, protecting millions of commuters who rely on local and express trains daily.