Freight Corridor Blast Near Sirhind Injures Driver, Security Heightened for Republic Day
In a concerning incident ahead of Republic Day, an explosion ripped through a section of railway tracks on the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) near Sirhind in Fatehgarh Sahib district late Friday night. The blast injured a freight train driver and temporarily disrupted rail traffic on the crucial Amritsar–Delhi section, sparking alarm across the region and prompting an immediate strengthening of security measures.
Details of the Explosion and Immediate Response
The blast occurred around 10pm near a railway crossing close to Khanpur village, according to officials. It damaged approximately 4-5 metres of the tracks, causing the front windshield of the locomotive to shatter and resulting in a facial injury to the driver. The driver promptly alerted the authorities, triggering a swift and comprehensive response from multiple agencies.
Senior railway officials rushed to the spot and oversaw repairs, ensuring the tracks were restored by 7am on Saturday. Rail traffic has since been fully resumed, minimizing long-term disruptions. Forensic teams arrived at the scene within an hour to collect evidence and analyze the site.
Investigation and Security Measures
Police are yet to issue a definitive statement on the type of explosives used, but preliminary investigations suggest a low-intensity blast. AIG-GRP A S Ghumman stated, "There are no confirmed clues indicating the use of RDX or high-grade military explosives at this stage. A small portion of the track sustained damage, and was promptly repaired by railways."
DIG-Ropar Range Nanak Singh, who inspected the site, emphasized, "The blast was of low intensity. Investigation is underway on all fronts. While it is a serious criminal act, there has been no significant loss of life or property. The loco pilot is stable, and the track suffered minimal damage. Punjab Police remains on high alert for Republic Day and the culprits will be arrested soon."
SSP Fatehgarh Sahib Shubham Aggarwal attributed the incident to miscreants, noting no casualties or major damage. A joint probe involving the district police, GRP, Railway Protection Force (RPF), and forensic units is actively ongoing. Aggarwal warned against spreading rumours, stating, "We warn against the circulation of baseless rumours or misinformation regarding this incident. Strict legal action will be taken." An FIR has been registered at GRP Sirhind, with SHO Gurpreet Singh leading the case.
Impact and Broader Context
Pankaj Kumar Gupta, chief general manager-DFC of the Ambala division, confirmed the extent of the track damage. The incident has heightened security concerns in the region, especially with Republic Day celebrations approaching. Authorities have reinforced patrols and surveillance to prevent any further untoward events.
This explosion underscores the vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the importance of robust security protocols. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying the perpetrators and ensuring public safety during this sensitive period.
