Attempt to Derail Rajdhani Express Foiled in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi, Police Launch Probe
A major railway tragedy was averted in Uttar Pradesh’s Hardoi district after alert locomotive pilots foiled two attempts to derail passenger trains, including the high-speed Rajdhani Express, on Monday evening, police confirmed on Tuesday.
According to officials, unknown miscreants tied wooden blocks using earthing wire to the railway track between Dalelnagar and Umartali stations at kilometre marker 1129/14. The obstruction was first spotted by the loco pilot of the Dibrugarh-bound Rajdhani Express (Train No. 20504), who applied the emergency brakes just in time, removed the barrier, and alerted railway authorities.
Shortly after, a second attempt to derail the Kathgodam Express (Train No. 15044), following the same route, was also thwarted due to the vigilance of its loco pilot, police added.
Superintendent of Police Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site immediately after the incident and directed intensified patrolling and surveillance along the railway tracks. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Both sabotage attempts were detected and neutralized in time. Teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police are jointly investigating the matter.”
No casualties or injuries were reported. Authorities are treating the incident as a serious security threat and have not ruled out the possibility of a larger conspiracy.
This is the second such incident reported in Uttar Pradesh this month. Earlier, on May 5, Jaunpur police arrested two individuals—Afzal Ali alias Sonu and Afzal Ali of Aunka village—for allegedly conspiring to derail a train by placing a steel drum on tracks near Aunka village under Baksha police station limits.
RPF personnel had discovered the obstruction between Sarai Harkhu and Shri Krishna Nagar stations on the Varanasi–Lucknow route. The suspects confessed to the crime and were booked under Sections 151 and 153 of the Railways Act. Investigations are ongoing to determine any links between the two incidents.
The twin sabotage attempts have sparked concern on social media, with many users questioning railway security. “It’s scary to think how close we came to a disaster. Kudos to the loco pilots,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
Officials have urged passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near railway tracks. The RPF has increased patrolling along vulnerable sections, and drone surveillance is also being considered.
