New Delhi: A major rail tragedy was narrowly avoided in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district, where two separate attempts to derail trains — including a high-speed Rajdhani Express — were thwarted on Monday evening, thanks to the alertness and swift action of loco pilots.
Rajdhani Express Halts Just in Time
The first incident occurred near kilometre marker 1129/14, between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations, where miscreants had tied wooden blocks to the tracks using earthing wire. The Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express (20504) was approaching the section when the loco pilot spotted the obstruction and applied the emergency brakes, successfully halting the train in time.
After removing the object, the pilot reported the incident to railway officials, preventing a potential catastrophe.
Second Attempt on Kathgodam Express Foiled
Just minutes after the Rajdhani Express incident, a similar attempt was made to derail the Kathgodam Express (15044), which was following on the same route. Once again, the pilot’s vigilance averted disaster, and the obstruction was safely removed without any harm to passengers or equipment.
Police, RPF, and GRP Launch Investigation
Senior police officials, including Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun, visited the site and confirmed the involvement of multiple investigative agencies: the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police are now collaborating to investigate the sabotage attempts.
In a formal statement, the Hardoi Police confirmed the recovery of the wooden block tied with an iron strip and emphasized that a thorough probe is underway, exploring all possible leads.
Previous Sabotage Attempt in Jaunpur
This is not the first such incident this month. In an earlier case, two individuals from Jaunpur were arrested for attempting to derail a train by placing a steel drum on the tracks near Aunka village. The suspects, Afzal Ali alias Sonu and another man also named Afzal Ali, were caught after the RPF intervened just in time on the Varanasi-Lucknow route.
They were booked under Sections 151 and 153 of the Railways Act, and investigations are ongoing.
Rail Safety on High Alert
These consecutive attempts to sabotage critical railway lines have raised serious concerns about rail safety and potential terror-related plots. Authorities have urged the public and railway staff to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity along the tracks.
As the investigations progress, rail security agencies are ramping up patrols and surveillance to prevent any further threats to passenger safety.
