Is Indian Railways under attack? Multiple sabotage attempts unfold across key routes

Indian Railways is grappling with a wave of sabotage attempts that have recently put passenger safety at risk across various regions. In a troubling escalation, several incidents have been reported in the last few weeks, involving deliberate attempts to derail trains by placing hazardous objects on the tracks. This string of sabotage attempts appears to be a coordinated effort aimed at causing widespread disruption and potential disasters on one of the world’s largest rail networks.

Wave of Sabotage Attacks Across Key Railway Zones

In one of the most shocking recent incidents, the Bhiwani-Prayagraj Kalindi Express narrowly avoided disaster when it collided with an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Authorities discovered a Molotov cocktail nearby, reinforcing suspicions of a well-planned sabotage attempt. This incident, the second in less than a month in the region, has put the spotlight on the vulnerabilities in the railway network. In response, Kanpur Police detained several individuals, including known criminals, to interrogate them about their potential involvement in the incident. The investigation, now involving the National Investigation Agency, aims to uncover whether these individuals acted on their own or were part of a more extensive plot.

The incident in Kanpur is not isolated. In Rajasthan’s Ajmer district, another sabotage attempt took place when miscreants placed cement blocks on the tracks of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. A goods train collided with these blocks but fortunately escaped significant damage. This marks the first such sabotage attempt on the Western Corridor, leading authorities to launch an extensive investigation. Local police, in collaboration with the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation, are closely examining the possibility of links to other recent incidents across the region.

Other sabotage attempts have been reported in various parts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, where objects such as iron rods, concrete slabs, and tree trunks were deliberately placed on tracks. These repeated sabotage efforts are raising alarms about the safety of both passenger and freight trains, especially along critical routes that connect major cities and industrial hubs.

Investigations and Security Measures Intensify

Authorities are increasingly concerned that these acts could be part of a larger plan orchestrated by external elements with the intent of causing chaos and instability in India. Recent intelligence inputs suggest that such attempts may be driven by directives from outside India, with a focus on destabilizing critical infrastructure. For instance, Pakistan-based terrorist Farhatullah Ghori, who has been associated with previous terror attacks in India, has reportedly called for attacks on critical infrastructure, including railways.

The central government has directed all stakeholders, including railway authorities and state governments, to heighten vigilance and adopt stricter monitoring measures along vulnerable sections of railway tracks. Special teams comprising officers from the Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force have been formed to patrol high-risk areas and implement immediate security measures to prevent further sabotage attempts.

Expert Opinion: Coordinated Attacks or Isolated Incidents?

Railway security experts suggest that these incidents are likely part of a coordinated attempt to target India’s rail infrastructure. The use of diverse methods—ranging from placing LPG cylinders and cement blocks on tracks to employing more sophisticated tactics—indicates a planned strategy rather than isolated acts of vandalism. Experts emphasize the need for advanced surveillance technologies, such as drones and track-side cameras, to detect suspicious activities more effectively. The vastness of the Indian Railways network means that traditional methods of patrolling may no longer be sufficient to address these emerging threats.

Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of public vigilance and awareness. Passengers and local residents can serve as an extra layer of security by reporting unusual activities near railway tracks, helping authorities to respond quickly and potentially prevent sabotage attempts.

Future Steps for Enhanced Safety and Security

The recent surge in sabotage attempts has pushed Indian Railways to reconsider its safety protocols and strategies. In light of these incidents, the Ministry of Railways is expected to introduce more comprehensive security measures, including an increased presence of security personnel on vulnerable routes, enhanced use of technology for surveillance, and tighter coordination with local law enforcement agencies. The ongoing investigations by the National Investigation Agency and Central Bureau of Investigation will likely yield more insights into the motivations and networks behind these sabotage efforts.