Sri Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab): A major explosion occurred on a railway line in Sirhind, Punjab, ahead of Republic Day. The explosion injured the driver of a freight train. The incident took place at 9:50 PM on Friday night. The track where the explosion occurred was recently constructed, specifically for freight trains.
According to reports, as the freight train’s engine approached the Khanpur level crossing, a powerful explosion occurred. The intensity of the blast was so great that approximately 12 feet of the railway track was completely destroyed. The track and its sleepers were shattered into pieces. The incident caused panic in the area. Upon receiving the information, railway teams rushed to the spot overnight and repaired the track. The cause of the explosion is still unknown.
Sri Fatehgarh Sahib (Punjab): A suspected explosion on a railway line in Sirhind, Punjab, has caused alarm ahead of Republic Day. The explosion, which occurred around 9:50 PM on Friday night, injured the loco-pilot (driver) of a freight train. According to reports, the incident took place near the Khanpur level crossing on a new track recently constructed specifically for freight trains (Dedicated Freight Corridor).
Details of the Damage
As the freight train’s engine passed the location, a powerful explosion occurred. The intensity of the blast was so high that approximately 12 feet of the railway track was completely damaged, and the concrete sleepers were shattered. Panic spread in the area immediately after the incident. Upon receiving the information, senior railway officials and technical teams reached the spot and worked on a war footing to repair the track overnight.
Under Investigation
This explosion, occurring on the eve of Republic Day, has put security agencies on high alert. It is currently unclear whether the explosion was caused by a technical malfunction or if there was a terrorist or malicious element involved. The Railway Police (GRP) and local police are conducting a thorough investigation. DIG Nanak Singh, who visited the blast site near Sirhind railway station, said, “This was a minor explosion with no loss of life or property. The railway tracks also suffered no major damage. It would be premature to link this explosion to any terrorist conspiracy. The matter will become completely clear only after the investigation and the arrest of the culprits. Whoever is responsible for this explosion will be investigated and given a strict punishment.”
Political rhetoric intensifies
Meanwhile, political rhetoric has intensified in the state following the incident. The Akali Dal and BJP have attacked the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, criticizing the state’s law and order situation and expressing concern over the incident occurring just before Republic Day.
Akali Dal President Sukhbir Badal wrote on social media platform X, “Deeply disturbed and shocked by the alleged RDX blast on the railway line near Sirhind in Punjab. Such incidents are alarming and pose a threat to the peace and security restored after decades of turmoil. My prayers are with those affected. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. This incident is yet another clear indication of the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab under the current Aam Aadmi Party government led by Bhagwant Mann. Repeated failure to prevent such brazen attacks is unacceptable and requires immediate accountability.”
Sukhbir Badal further wrote that it is noteworthy that this incident occurred two days before Republic Day, when the AAP government is claiming to launch a major campaign against anti-social elements. He alleged that under the AAP government, Punjab has witnessed several major attacks using RPGs and similar weapons targeting police and intelligence centers. The Chandigarh BJP wrote on X, “Blast near Sirhind Railway Station. A goods train has been damaged. The driver is seriously injured. This is Punjab under the Bhagwant Mann-Arvind Kejriwal governance model – where railways are unsafe, borders are vulnerable, and citizens live in constant fear. As the country prepares to celebrate the Constitution and national unity on January 26th, law and order in Punjab appears to have completely collapsed. Blasts, gang crimes, drugs, and now attacks on crucial railway infrastructure – yet the government remains oblivious and irresponsible.”
