The Malawi government, through the Ministry of Transport and Public Works, is commemorating Railway Safety Week from October 20 to 26, 2025.

This year’s commemoration is under the theme “Stop Vandalism and Encroachments: Safe Railways, Safe Communities – Everyone’s Duty.”

According to a statement issued by Bright Kumwembwe, Secretary for Transport and Public Works, railway safety is a shared responsibility that requires everyone’s active participation. Trespassing, vandalism, and encroachments on railway tracks pose significant risks to lives and disrupt railway services.

The Ministry has expressed concern over increased cases of vandalism along certain railway routes, including Marka-Bangula, Nkaya-Limbe, Sandama-Salima, and Kanengo-Nchinji.

“Vandalism of railway materials is a serious threat to public safety and national development. Acts like stealing rail clips, damaging signals, or defacing signage compromise the integrity of the railway system, increase accidents and incidents, and disrupt transport services,” reads part of the statement.

During the commemoration week, the Ministry will conduct sensitization activities to raise awareness about railway safety and the importance of protecting railway infrastructure. The public is encouraged to report any unsafe practices or damage to railway infrastructure.

Kumwembwe emphasized that safe railways begin with safe communities and urged the public to play their part in promoting railway safety.