Prayagraj: A potential disaster was averted late Thursday night when the Tejas Rajdhani Express was stopped after large boulders were found placed on the tracks between Bhirpur and Meja railway stations in Prayagraj. The loco pilot spotted the obstruction and immediately halted the train, preventing a possible derailment.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials from Chhiwaki rushed to the site upon receiving the alert. A joint inspection was conducted, and photographs of the scene were taken as evidence. According to railway authorities, the boulders and ballast had been deliberately placed on the down track at kilometer number 794/18-16.
The incident caused a 10 minute delay in the train's schedule. An FIR has been registered against unidentified persons under relevant sections of the Railway Act. Senior officials confirmed no damage occurred to railway property.
This marks the second such incident in the North Central Railway zone this month, raising concerns about track safety. The RPF has intensified night patrols along vulnerable sections as investigations continue.
Railway officials have directed all station masters and track maintenance teams in the division to conduct immediate inspections of critical sections, particularly in isolated areas.
Security cameras along the route are also being reviewed to identify suspicious activity near the tracks prior to the incident. The alert response by the loco pilot has been commended, with the Railways announcing a commendation for his vigilance.
Meanwhile, passenger associations have demanded enhanced security measures, including increased RPF deployment and installation of motion-sensor alarms along vulnerable stretches of track. The Railways has assured travelers that all necessary precautions are being taken to prevent recurrence of such dangerous incidents.
