A court has convicted a man for flying a drone without permission from the Edava–Kappil railway bridge in Kerala and ordered him to pay a Rs 3,000 fine and complete one day of community service, Southern Railways said in a statement.
The man was convicted under provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 and the Railways Act, 1989, for unauthorised entry onto railway property and public nuisance. The bridge, located in Kollam district, is a picturesque structure spanning the sea and backwaters and is known for its scenic surroundings.
According to Southern Railways, the court imposed both the fine and the community service as punishment for operating the drone and recording footage from the railway bridge without the required permission. The court also warned that failure to pay the fine would result in imprisonment.
The case highlights the restrictions that apply to photography, videography and drone operations around railway infrastructure. Railway bridges, tracks and other restricted areas are operational assets where unauthorised access can expose people to trains, electrical installations and other safety hazards.
Southern Railways said unauthorised drone activity could create risks to railway infrastructure, electrical installations and public safety. It advised members of the public to avoid entering railway tracks, bridges and restricted railway areas for photography, videography or drone operations.
“Drone filming involving railway property must be undertaken only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the competent authorities,” Southern Railways said. The statement did not specify the date of the drone flight, the identity of the convicted man or the authority that granted or denied permission for the recording.
The case also places attention on the gap between the visual appeal of transport infrastructure and the restrictions governing access to it. Railway bridges are often used as locations for photography because of their landscape and engineering features, but they remain controlled operational spaces rather than public viewing platforms. The court’s order establishes the immediate penalty in this case, while Southern Railways’ advisory sets out the requirement for prior permission for future filming and drone operations.
