In the third derailment attempt near Kanpur this month, a gas cylinder was found on the rail tracks near Prempur railway station, Uttar Pradesh, on the Delhi-Howrah line on Sunday. The incident, involving a freight train running from Kanpur towards Prayagraj, has prompted a swift response from railway authorities.
Series of Derailment Attempts
The latest incident marks the third attempt at train derailment in the region within a month. On September 9, the Kalindi Express, travelling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani, narrowly avoided a catastrophe after hitting a gas cylinder placed on the tracks near Kanpur. The cylinder, due to the impact, was hurled 50 metres away, preventing a severe accident. The placement of the cylinder occurred at the Munderi village crossing between Barrajpur and Bilhaur stations along the Kanpur-Kasganj route.
This growing pattern of sabotage is alarming, as train accidents could result in large-scale devastation. The gas cylinder found in Sunday’s incident was discovered by the freight train’s locomotive pilot, who had stopped to allow an express train to pass. The pilot immediately informed the control room, averting a potential disaster.
Railway Authorities Respond Swiftly
Both the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Government Railway Police (GRP) were quick to arrive at the site following Sunday’s incident. An investigation is now underway to identify the culprits and prevent future sabotage. The railway authorities have enhanced vigilance along major routes to protect passengers and rail staff from potential harm.
In another instance on Saturday, an attempt to derail a train was also foiled in Gujarat near Kim Railway Station, Surat. Here, miscreants had removed fish plates and keys from the UP line and placed them back onto the tracks. The swift action by the railway ground staff prevented any accident and ensured that train services were promptly restored.
Escalating Threats to Railway Safety
These derailment attempts highlight a growing threat to railway safety across India. The Kanpur region, in particular, seems to have become a target for these deliberate derailment attempts. With the incident count increasing, railway officials are stepping up security measures and taking a hard look at potential vulnerabilities along key rail routes.
Authorities have also urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity near rail tracks to prevent further incidents. The sabotage acts in Kanpur and Surat point to a calculated effort by unidentified miscreants to disrupt India’s rail services, potentially endangering lives.
Investigations are being carried out at the highest levels to ensure the safety of the country’s railway network. With increased scrutiny on rail infrastructure, the Railway Ministry is expected to introduce more stringent measures to safeguard its vast network from such malicious attempts.