Monday, 25 May 2026
Egypt cracks down on train vandalism
The Egyptian National Railways has introduced strict measures to combat dangerous practices that threaten public safety and disrupt the nation’s railway services. Among the most serious issues facing the network is the frequent stoning of moving trains, an act authorities say endangers passengers and railway crews, and damages public property.
The railway authority has announced that perpetrators caught throwing stones at trains will be identified through surveillance and promptly referred to the public prosecutor. Offenders face the maximum penalties under Article 32 of Egypt’s Penal Code—including up to life imprisonment—on charges of attacking state infrastructure and causing bodily harm.
Ongoing educational campaigns are also being rolled out, with the Egyptian National Railways collaborating with local media, mosques, churches, and cultural centers to raise awareness about the dangers of such behavior. These initiatives focus especially on educating children and young people about respecting public assets, emphasizing the critical role of the railway network in Egypt’s economic and social development.
The cost of repairing damages caused by these incidents adds a significant burden to the railway’s budget, diverting resources from essential maintenance and modernization projects. The authority warns that continued acts of vandalism could undermine the government’s ambitious efforts to upgrade the country’s rail system.
These efforts, led by senior government officials, aim to foster broader community involvement in protecting public infrastructure and supporting the advancement of Egypt’s national transport sector.