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The recent discovery of a gas cylinder on railway tracks near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, marks the third attempt to derail a train in the region this month. This incident, which occurred on September 22nd near Prempur railway station on the Delhi-Howrah line, underscores a growing concern about deliberate acts of sabotage targeting India's railway infrastructure. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) have launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to identify the perpetrators and their motives.
The attempted derailment involved a freight train traveling from Kanpur to Prayagraj. The locomotive pilot noticed the gas cylinder while preparing to stop for another express train and immediately reported it to the control room. Upon inspection, the 5-liter cylinder was found to be empty. While this incident was averted, it highlights the vulnerability of rail networks to intentional disruptions.
This latest incident follows two similar attempts in September. On September 9th, the Kalindi Express, traveling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani in Haryana, collided with a gas cylinder placed on the track near Kanpur, thankfully without causing an accident. The cylinder was propelled a significant distance due to the impact. Another incident, on September 16th, involved the discovery and removal of fish plates and keys from a railway track near Kim Railway Station in Surat, Gujarat. This tampering was intended to disrupt train movement, but swift action by railway officials prevented any derailments.
The increasing frequency of these sabotage attempts raises serious concerns about the security of India's extensive rail network. While railway authorities are taking steps to enhance security measures, the incidents highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address this growing threat. This includes investing in advanced surveillance technologies, strengthening security protocols, and fostering community engagement to deter such acts of sabotage. It is crucial to investigate these incidents thoroughly and bring the perpetrators to justice to prevent future disruptions to the vital railway system.
Source: Third Attempt to Derail Train in Kanpur: Gas Cylinder Found on Tracks