Attempt to Derail Rajdhani and Kathgodam Express Trains Foiled in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi District
3 min read
In a serious security breach on Monday evening (May 19, 2025), unidentified miscreants attempted to sabotage two major passenger trains, the Rajdhani Express and the Kathgodam Express, on the railway tracks between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh. Thanks to the vigilance and quick action of the respective train loco pilots, both attempts were successfully thwarted, averting what could have been a catastrophic derailment.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
At kilometre marker 1129/14 on the railway line, the loco pilot of the Rajdhani Express (train number 20504), en route from Delhi to Dibrugarh in Assam, noticed an obstruction on the tracks. The obstruction consisted of wooden blocks tied together with earthing wire, a clear attempt to sabotage the train’s movement. Exercising prompt judgment, the pilot applied the emergency brake, brought the train to a halt, removed the obstructive materials, and immediately alerted railway officials and police authorities.
Shortly after this, a second attempt was made to derail the Kathgodam Express (train number 15044), which was following the Rajdhani Express on the same route. The alertness of the Kathgodam Express’s loco pilot similarly prevented the sabotage from succeeding.
Police and Railway Authorities’ Actions
Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun personally visited the site on Monday evening to oversee the investigation and issued necessary instructions to the teams involved. A joint probe is underway, involving the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police, to identify and apprehend the perpetrators behind these dangerous acts.
The Hardoi Police issued a statement confirming that upon inspection, the wooden blocks were found tied to an iron strip, and thorough investigations are ongoing with all necessary actions being taken to ensure railway safety.
Background and Context
This incident is not isolated. Earlier this month, police in Jaunpur district arrested two individuals, Afzal Ali alias Sonu and Afzal Ali, for conspiring to derail a train by placing a steel drum on railway tracks near Aunka village. The swift intervention of RPF personnel prevented a potential disaster on the Varanasi-Lucknow route. Both accused were sent to jail under sections 151 and 153 of the Railways Act, and investigations continue.
Similarly, last year, several derailment attempts were reported across India, including in Kanpur and Ajmer. In Kanpur, a near-miss occurred when the Prayagraj-Bhiwani Kalindi Express struck an LPG cylinder placed on the tracks. The train driver’s quick reaction prevented a derailment, though the incident was officially classified as an attempted sabotage.
Significance and Safety Implications
These repeated attempts to sabotage passenger trains highlight a growing security challenge for Indian Railways. The use of everyday materials such as wooden blocks, earthing wires, steel drums, and LPG cylinders to disrupt train operations poses grave risks to passenger safety and railway infrastructure.
The alertness of loco pilots and the rapid response of railway protection forces have been crucial in preventing potential tragedies. These incidents underscore the need for enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated action between railway authorities and local police to safeguard the vast railway network.
Conclusion
The foiled attempts to derail the Rajdhani and Kathgodam Express trains in Hardoi district serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in railway security. Continued vigilance by train crews, timely police intervention, and public cooperation remain essential to ensure the safety of millions of passengers who rely on Indian Railways daily.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are in full swing and that all possible measures will be taken to prevent such sabotage attempts in the future. Passengers are urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity near railway tracks to help maintain a secure travel environment.
