Bhagalpur, June 9: On June 8, 2025, vandals threw stones at the Bhagalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, causing two windows to break. A probe has been launched. A pattern of vandalism was seen once more on India’s premium trains, as Bhagalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat Express was pelted with stones by unidentified assailants near Akbarnagar. The breaking of several window panes in Coach C‑7 scared the passengers. No one was hurt in the Bhagalpur Vande Bharat Express attack, yet it has caused new worries among people who travel by this major rail service in the country.
Officials from the railway state that the crash took place not long after the train started moving again after hitting a stray animal near the Akbarnagar railway station in Bhagalpur district. Once the train traveled faster, several stones crashed onto the windows of the C‑7 coach, especially hitting the window seats numbered 41 and 42.
Bhagalpur Vande Bharat Express Attack Creates New Anxiety
The coach’s passengers claimed they heard a strong smashing noise preceded by broken toughened glass. “We were very scared,” said Anil Kumar, who was near the shattered window on board the flight. Glass pieces could be seen everywhere. Most people reacted by ducking. Luckily, no one was injured in the tragedy.
Many passengers complained and felt scared after what they called mindless hooliganism. A lot of people wondered how similar incidents keep taking place despite earlier warnings and increased patrols. It becomes more concerning since these kinds of situations happen almost everywhere. This train has been attacked by people throwing stones several times after it was launched. Security sources claim that the recent attack was the fifth time in the last few months.
In the past, the coaches were often harmed, and this caused double-check vehicle searches and stoppages. The constant appearances of these events make it clear that the security system on some parts of the tracks is not secure enough. The authority began an investigation into the case with local police, the RPF has started inquiring into the case. Authorities are checking the area’s CCTV cameras to find out who the suspects are. It is believed by police that local residents, maybe kids or teenagers, threw the stones as a joke or under pressure from others.
Railway Ministry’s Helplessness
According to those working in the Ministry of Railways, discussions are taking place to geofence “high-risk” places and inform both locomotive drivers and RPF team members right away. Vande Bharat is recognised for its high level of prestige. Vande Bharat Express trains, more commonly known as Train 18, are a big advance for the Indian rail system. Because these trains are produced in the nation, they offer passengers GPS passenger information systems, Wi-Fi on the train, automatic doors, and special bio-vacuum toilets.
Business travelers and tourists have made the Bhagalpur–Howrah Vande Bharat a popular choice because of speed and comfort. But repeated acts of vandalism could destroy the public’s faith in this big project.
Railway officials claim that the problem happened when the train was just back on track after a small delay. It was due to crashing into a wandering animal near the Akbarnagar station in the Bhagalpur district. Railway authorities are encouraging anyone with knowledge of the culprits to report, so that those responsible will be arrested. Extra security personnel are being deployed to watch and patrol the risky route. The DRM of Malda Division said strongly that anyone involved in this act will be punished under the Railway Act and the IPC. The DRM pointed out during a news briefing that stone pelting is taken as an attack on public order. Strong action will be taken against the people who have abused their position.
The DRM pointed out how such actions can negatively impact the economy. Fixing the Vande Bharat’s glass windows is quite expensive. Installation of a 1 square meter window usually takes ₹50,000-₹1 lakh. However, even after repairing, incidents like the Bhagalpur Vande Bharat Express attack weaken the public’s trust in this important project.
