A recent string of incidents involving train mishaps and suspected attempts to derail trains across India has sparked serious concerns about the safety of the country’s railway network. The latest incident occurred in Bathinda, Punjab, where Government Railway Police discovered nine iron rods placed on the tracks of the Delhi-Bathinda Express on September 22nd. While the motive behind this act remains unclear, authorities have registered a case against unknown individuals and are conducting a thorough investigation.
This incident adds to a growing list of suspicious activities targeting railway tracks nationwide. On the same day, a JTTN goods train traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh narrowly avoided disaster when the driver spotted an empty gas cylinder on the tracks. Quick thinking and prompt action by the driver, who applied emergency brakes, prevented a potentially catastrophic accident near Prempur station. Railway officials confirmed that the cylinder was empty and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding its placement on the tracks.
In Gujarat, unidentified individuals tampered with railway tracks in Surat, removing fish plates and loosening bolts in an apparent attempt to derail trains. This incident, reported on September 21st, underscores the deliberate nature of these acts of sabotage. Earlier, on September 20th, the loco pilot of the Doon Express averted a major mishap after discovering horizontally placed iron rods on railway tracks in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, further emphasizing the pattern of deliberate attempts to disrupt train operations.
These incidents raise critical questions about the security of India’s railway network and highlight the need for enhanced vigilance and preventative measures. Authorities are taking steps to strengthen security protocols and investigate these acts of sabotage to identify the perpetrators and prevent future incidents. The safety of passengers and the integrity of the railway system remain paramount as investigations continue.
