A grave security incident shook Punjab late Friday night when a powerful explosion ripped through a newly constructed railway line in Fatehgarh Sahib district, apparently targeting a freight train in motion. Preliminary investigations suggest the use of RDX or a similar high-grade explosive, raising serious concerns of a pre-planned sabotage attempt. The blast severely damaged the railway track and locomotive, leaving the train driver critically injured.
The incident occurred around 11 pm near the Khanpur railway crossing in the Sirhind area, as a freight train was passing through a newly laid track. This line, still in its trial phase, was developed primarily for goods transportation and had not yet been opened for regular passenger services. As the engine approached the crossing, a sudden and intense explosion tore through the track, sending shockwaves across nearby residential areas.
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Eyewitnesses reported a loud blast followed by sparks, debris and dust filling the air. The front portion of the engine was jolted violently, and nearly three to four feet of the railway track was completely destroyed. The force of the explosion caused the freight train to derail partially, scattering metal fragments and rubble across the site. Panic gripped the locality as residents rushed out of their homes, unsure of what had transpired.
The train driver sustained serious injuries to the head and upper body and was immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. Medical sources indicated that timely intervention prevented a fatal outcome, though the driver remains under close observation. His condition is reported to be stable but critical.
Passenger Train Could Have Led to Catastrophe
Railway sources noted that the damaged track was not yet operational for passenger traffic, a factor that likely prevented a far greater tragedy. The freight train was not carrying hazardous material, which further limited the scale of destruction. Security analysts stressed that had a passenger train been on the same track at the time of the blast, the consequences could have been catastrophic, with potential loss of dozens of lives.
Following the explosion, rail traffic in the area was suspended, and the site was cordoned off for investigation. Forensic teams collected samples from the blast location to determine the exact nature of the explosive used. Early indicators point toward a deliberate and well-planned act, rather than an accidental detonation or infrastructure failure.
Security Concerns Heightened Ahead of Republic Day
The timing of the incident has raised alarms, coming just days before Republic Day, when security remains on heightened alert across the country. Experts believe that targeting railway infrastructure is a strategic choice, aimed not only at disrupting economic activity but also at spreading fear among civilians. Railways are considered a national lifeline, and any attack on them directly challenges internal security.
Investigating agencies are examining how such a powerful explosive was procured and planted near the track without detection. CCTV footage from nearby locations, mobile phone data, and records of suspicious movements in the area are being scrutinised. Authorities are also probing possible links to existing extremist networks or cross-border conspiracies, though no conclusions have been officially drawn yet.
Railway Security Under Scrutiny Again
The incident has once again exposed vulnerabilities in railway security, especially along newly developed and trial-phase infrastructure. Analysts point out that the scale of the explosion suggests prior reconnaissance and careful planning. They argue that safeguarding railway assets cannot rely solely on physical patrols and surveillance, but requires stronger intelligence coordination and technological monitoring.
Repair work on the damaged track has already begun, and security deployment in and around the area has been intensified. Multiple agencies are now jointly examining all possible angles of the case.
Whether this was an isolated act or a warning signal of a larger threat remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the explosion has sent a strong alert across the security establishment. As investigations continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder of the persistent risks facing critical national infrastructure in a volatile security environment.
About the author – Ayesha Aayat is a law student and contributor covering cybercrime, online frauds, and digital safety concerns. Her writing aims to raise awareness about evolving cyber threats and legal responses.
