Indian Railways is taking significant steps to address the recent discovery of dangerous objects placed on railway tracks, which pose serious risks to train operations and passenger safety. Following multiple incidents where items like gas cylinders and iron poles were found on the tracks, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced that the railway administration is collaborating with state governments, police departments, and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate these sabotage attempts.
Several alarming cases have highlighted the potential dangers. For instance, on September 22, a goods train driver spotted a gas cylinder on the tracks while traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj. The driver acted quickly by applying the emergency brakes, preventing a possible disaster. Similarly, on September 15, dangerous objects were discovered just before the arrival of the Kalindi Express in Kanpur.
In another incident on September 18, an iron pole was found on the tracks in Uttar Pradesh, which could have led to a serious accident if not for the prompt action of the train’s loco pilot. These incidents are part of a troubling trend, with at least six reported attempts to sabotage railway operations in Uttar Pradesh alone since August.
Minister Vaishnav emphasized that all railway zones are on high alert and working closely with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to thoroughly investigate these incidents. He stated, “Strict action will be taken against anyone who tries to cause an accident,” reinforcing the commitment to passenger safety. The minister did not provide specific details about the NIA’s role but confirmed that they are involved in tracking down those responsible for these acts of sabotage.
In response to these threats, FIRs have been lodged against unknown individuals involved in placing dangerous objects on the tracks. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities that could jeopardize train safety. Additionally, three railway employees were recently arrested for staging a fake sabotage incident in Surat to gain rewards for averting an accident.
The Indian Railways is taking these threats seriously and is committed to ensuring passenger safety through vigilant monitoring and collaboration with law enforcement agencies. As investigations continue, officials are determined to identify and prosecute those behind these dangerous acts.