A suspected act of sabotage occurred on the Amritsar–Delhi railway line late Friday night near Khanpur village in Fatehgarh Sahib district of Punjab.
At approximately 9:50 PM on Friday, a low intensity explosion damaged a section of the track near Sirhind railway station as a freight train was passing.
The freight engine’s loco pilot sustained a minor injury to his cheek but is in stable condition, according to the times of India. While early reports suggested significant damage, local police later clarified that the blast was minor and did not cause major structural failure to the track or the train.
Explosion in Punjab
The explosion took place at kilometre 1208/15, a stretch primarily used for goods transport. The blast occurred near the Khanpur railway gates, leading to an immediate halt in rail movement along the affected corridor.
Although some initial reports claimed that nearly 12 feet of track had been blown off, senior Punjab officials later described the event as a low intensity explosion.
The locomotive pilot was taken to a nearby hospital for first aid and has since been discharged. Restoration work was initiated shortly after the site was secured to prevent further disruptions to freight operations.
Investigation On
Police and railway security agencies have launched a joint investigation into the incident, which occurred just days before Republic Day. Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh stated that the case is being handled using scientific methods, with forensic teams and specialised agencies called in to examine the site.
“The intensity of the blast was very low,” Singh confirmed, adding that a case has been registered under Section 150 of the Railways Act for maliciously attempting to wreck a train. Authorities are currently investigating potential links to recently busted terror modules in the state to identify those responsible for the act.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The attempt to target public infrastructure is a disturbing reminder of the threats to our collective safety and national peace. While it is a relief that the injuries were minor and the damage limited, the intent to cause disruption cannot be ignored.
Such acts of cowardice only reinforce the need for greater vigilance and a unified stand against violence. True progress is built on dialogue and harmony, not through the detonation of explosives that put innocent lives at risk. We urge the citizens to remain alert and support the authorities in maintaining public order.
