Explosion damages Amritsar–Delhi rail route, injures loco pilot: Sabotage angle being investigated

A suspected sabotage attempt on the Amritsar–Delhi railway route late Friday night caused damage to a section of track near Khanpur village in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district and left a freight train’s loco pilot injured, officials said on Saturday.

The blast, which occurred just days 48 before Republic Day, tore apart a portion of the line used primarily for goods traffic, prompting an emergency response from railway and police authorities. 

Ropar Range DIG Nanak Singh says, "We received information that around 9.50 pm at night, a minor blast has been reported here. The driver suffered a minor cut on his cheek. The train didn't suffer any major damage. The track didn't suffer any major damage either. Train movement will resume soon. Punjab Police are investigating this in a scientific manner. We are coordinating and in communication with other agencies.”

"This case will be solved soon. Accused will be arrested soon. The intensity of the blast was very low. It wasn't a major blast, just a minor one...We are investigating. Forensics and teams of other agencies have been called here...Specialised agencies are also coming here," he added.

According to TOI, the explosion was reported shortly after midnight near kilometre marker 1208/15, close to Sirhind railway station. 

As a freight service approached the Khanpur level crossing, the blast struck the locomotive, injuring the loco pilot. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment and was later reported to be in stable condition.

DFC line targeted; panic in nearby areas

Officials said the train was travelling on a recently commissioned section of the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), a line intended exclusively for goods movement. The incident sparked alarm among residents in the vicinity.

Railway personnel and emergency teams reached the location within hours, beginning initial repairs to restore traffic flow. The damaged corridor was cordoned off as a precaution.

Joint probe launched; case registered

Senior police officers and railway security officials inspected the site and initiated a combined investigation. Authorities have filed a case against unknown persons and are working to identify those involved.