UP: Alert Loco Pilots Foil Attempt To Derail Rajdhani Express, Another Train In Hardoi

An attempt to derail two trains, including a Rajdhani Express, in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district was thwarted due to the vigilance of locomotive drivers, news agency PTI reported, citing police sources on Tuesday.

On Monday evening, unknown individuals reportedly tied wooden blocks to the railway track using earthing wire between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations, near kilometre marker 1129/14, according to police.

Photo Credit: PTI

The locomotive pilot of Rajdhani Express (20504), en route from Delhi to Dibrugarh in Assam, spotted the obstruction and immediately applied the emergency brakes.

After halting the train, he removed the obstruction and alerted railway authorities, police added.

A subsequent attempt to derail the Kathgodam Express (15044), which was travelling on the same route after the Rajdhani Express, was also averted due to the alertness of its loco pilot.

Superintendent Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site on Monday evening and issued necessary instructions. Teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police are currently investigating the incident.

In a statement, Hardoi Police said: "Information was received regarding a piece of wood on the railway track at pillar number 1129/14, between Dalelnagar and Umratali stations under Kachhauna police jurisdiction. Upon receiving this, the GRP and local police reached the spot and carried out an inspection. Investigations revealed a piece of wood tied to an iron strip. The Railway Department and local police are thoroughly examining all aspects of the case. Other necessary actions are ongoing."

In a similar incident earlier this month, Jaunpur police arrested two men accused of plotting to derail a train by placing a steel drum on the tracks near Aunka village, under Baksha police station limits.

The accused, identified as Afzal Ali alias Sonu and another man also named Afzal Ali - both residents of Aunka - were apprehended after Railway Protection Force personnel intervened in time, The Times of India reported.

The suspects admitted to the crime and were subsequently jailed under sections 151 and 153 of the Railways Act. Further investigations are underway.

The RPF had detected the steel drum between Sarai Harkhu and Shri Krishna Nagar stations on the Varanasi-Lucknow line via Sultanpur.

They promptly removed the obstruction and notified the respective station authorities and Baksha police.