Since June 2023, Indian Railways has witnessed a disturbing rise in sabotage-related incidents, ranging from placing objects on tracks to stone-pelting at trains. These acts, which have targeted India’s premier Vande Bharat trains and other services, pose significant risks to passenger safety and the efficient functioning of the railway network. While most incidents have fortunately not resulted in casualties, the intent behind them has raised serious concerns among security agencies.
Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh (September 9, 2024)
One of the most alarming incidents occurred on September 9, 2024, between Bairajpur and Uttaripura. The loco pilot of train number 14117 noticed an object resembling a cylinder on the track. After stopping the train, the cylinder was not found, but a domestic LPG cylinder was later discovered hidden in nearby bushes. The presence of suspicious materials like black-brown powder, a matchbox, and a beer bottle containing petrol with a partially burnt wick suggests an attempted sabotage. A case has been filed, and investigations are underway to arrest the culprits.
Solapur, Maharashtra (September 4, 2024)
At Kurduwadi station yard, a fouling mark stone weighing nearly 80-90 kg was found placed on the tracks, stopping a tower wagon. This incident, though not resulting in an accident, highlights how deliberate obstructions can lead to dangerous situations. Despite CCTV footage from nearby homes being reviewed, the stone’s placement remains a mystery, and authorities are working to apprehend those responsible.
Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh (September 4, 2024)
Marks left by stones placed on both sides of the railway lines between Shivpuri and Padarkheda indicate an intentional effort to disrupt the smooth passage of trains. Although the stones were likely meant to assist a motorcycle crossing the tracks, such acts pose severe risks to high-speed trains.
Sabotage attempts have been reported across various regions of India. Notably:
Odisha (August 30, 2024): A train was forced to stop when a sleeper used for track maintenance slid onto the tracks. This incident highlights the danger posed by loose equipment near active rail lines, even if it is unintentional.
Jharkhand (August 30, 2024): Around 100 Pandrol clips were stolen from the Dalton Ganj-Kajri section. Missing clips weaken the structural integrity of tracks, potentially leading to derailments.
Telangana (August 30, 2024): An 8-meter-long iron rod was found placed on the tracks between Chandan Nagar and Hafizpet railway stations, with local authorities swiftly responding to remove the obstruction before it could cause any harm.
Rajasthan (August 28, 2024): A freight train in Baran collided with a motorcycle chassis intentionally placed on the tracks. This dangerous act could have led to a serious accident had the train not been moving slowly.
While some incidents might stem from negligence or minor thefts, others reflect a more sinister motive. The repeated placement of objects such as gas cylinders, iron rods, and stone blocks on tracks across different states suggests coordinated efforts. For instance, in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh, wood logs were deliberately placed on tracks, disrupting train services.
Security agencies have expressed concern that some of these incidents may be part of larger sabotage efforts targeting critical railway infrastructure. These acts, if successful, could have devastating consequences, potentially leading to derailments or major accidents.
A troubling trend has emerged where individuals, influenced by social media, engage in dangerous acts on railway tracks for the sake of online views. For example, a YouTuber in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for placing objects such as gas cylinders on tracks and recording videos for his channel. This trend poses a growing challenge to railway authorities, as these stunts not only endanger lives but also normalize reckless behavior near critical infrastructure.
In response to these incidents, Indian Railways and law enforcement agencies have ramped up security measures across the network. Joint efforts by the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and other security agencies are underway to apprehend individuals involved in these acts of sabotage. Surveillance through CCTV cameras, drone monitoring, and regular track inspections have been increased to prevent further incidents.
However, the repeated occurrences point to the need for more robust solutions, including enhanced intelligence-sharing between states, better protection for key railway routes, and public awareness campaigns to deter such acts. Additionally, stricter penalties under the Railway Act for sabotage-related crimes may serve as a deterrent for those intending to harm.
