Unidentified miscreants attempted to derail a train carrying goods in the Ajmer region of Rajasthan by putting two cement blocks, each weighing 70 kg, on the railway rails. This is a disturbing incident. Around 10:30 PM on Sunday night, the incident happened on the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor between the stations of Saradhna and Bangad.
The goods train struck the heavy blocks, but it was unharmed and went on its way. Following a complaint from railway workers, the local police opened an investigation under the Railway Act and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
Following an inspection, railway personnel found that one cement block was broken on the track and that another block was located farther down the line. The event has prompted an investigation by the authorities, who are actively looking for leads that could point to the culprits.
There have been other recent attempts nationwide to disrupt rail services, including this one. In a different incident, the Kalindi Express in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday nearly escaped tragedy when it struck an LPG cylinder that had been placed on the tracks. The loco pilot’s prompt efforts averted a possible catastrophe.
Authorities have strengthened surveillance and security measures across sensitive train corridors in response to the back-to-back attacks, which have prompted concerns regarding rail safety.