ISLAMABAD: An explosion struck the dedicated freight corridor linkingAmritsar and Delhi near Khanpur village in Fatehgarh Sahib district,Punjab, around 9:50 pm on Friday, causing significant concern amongauthorities as India prepares for Republic Day on January 26. The blastdamaged the railway track and affected the engine of a goods train passingthrough the area at the time. The loco pilot sustained injuries, and wasimmediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. There wasdisruptions occurred in freight operations on this key route.
Preliminary investigations by Punjab Police and railway authoritiesindicate that the incident was a deliberate act of sabotage rather than anaccidental event. Officials from the Ropar Range, including DIG NanakSingh, classified it as a criminal activity, resulting in structural damageto the track, estimated at around four to twelve feet in some accounts,with repairs completed swiftly overnight to restore services. Theexplosion’s timing, occurring just days before a major national event, hasled to intensified patrolling and vigilance across Punjab’s railway networkto prevent any further attempts.
Reports from initial forensic assessments and eyewitness accounts suggestthe possibility of high-grade explosives, potentially including RDX, beinginvolved in the blast. Some media outlets cited preliminary findings thatthe force of the explosion was sufficient to blow away a section of thetrack and impact the locomotive’s engine, leading to speculation about theuse of military-grade material rather than improvised low-power devices.However, official statements from police and railway spokespersons haveconsistently described the blast with minimal overall impact oninfrastructure and no threat to passenger services, as the affected sectionprimarily handles freight traffic.
The incident has drawn attention to broader security dynamics in Punjab,where past episodes of militancy and separatist activities haveoccasionally targeted transportation infrastructure. A viral lettercirculating on social media, purportedly claiming responsibility anddescribing the event as a “trailer,” has prompted investigations intopossible links with Khalistani elements, though authorities have notofficially confirmed any group involvement at this stage. Security agenciesare examining forensic evidence, including residue analysis from the blastsite, to determine the exact nature of the explosive used and trace anypotential perpetrators.
Railway operations were briefly halted on the affected stretch, leading tominor delays for goods trains, but normalcy was restored within hoursthrough rapid response teams from the Dedicated Freight CorridorCorporation. The loco pilot, identified in some reports as Anil Sharma,received prompt medical attention, highlighting the effectiveness ofon-site emergency protocols. Villagers near Khanpur reported hearing a loudbang late at night, followed by swift arrival of police and railwayofficials to secure the area and conduct inspections.
This event underscores the vulnerabilities of critical infrastructure inborder-adjacent regions and the need for enhanced surveillance measures,especially during sensitive periods. Punjab Police have increaseddeployments along railway lines, while coordination with central agenciesis underway to assess any wider conspiracy. The minimal damage and quickrecovery have prevented major economic or logistical setbacks, but theincident serves as a reminder of persistent threats to public safety andnational symbols.
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Authorities continue to appeal for public vigilance and any informationthat could aid the ongoing probe. As investigations progress, more detailson the explosive type and motive are expected to emerge, potentiallyinfluencing future security arrangements for major events across thecountry.
Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/explosion-damages-amritsardelhi-railway-line-in-fatehgarh-sahib-loco-pilot-injured/articleshow/127366711.cms
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