'High-grade explosives may have been involved': Explosion damages Amritsar–Delhi railway line in Fatehgarh Sahib; loco pilot injured

CHANDIGARH: A suspected act of sabotage on the Amritsar–Delhi railway line was reported late on Friday night in Fatehgarh Sahib district, Punjab, after an explosion damaged a section of track near Khanpur village under Sirhind railway station.

Preliminary reports suggest unidentified individuals detonated an explosive device near kilometre 1208/15 of the railway line at around 12.30 am on Saturday.


While some sources claimed high-grade explosives may have been involved, authorities have not confirmed the nature of the material used.

Railway officials said the damaged stretch is primarily used for freight trains. As a freight train approached the Khanpur railway gates, a powerful blast reportedly blew off about 12 feet of the track and caused structural damage along a longer stretch.

The freight engine’s loco pilot was injured in the explosion and taken to a nearby hospital, where he received first aid. His condition is said to be stable.

The blast caused panic in nearby areas, prompting an immediate response from railway authorities. Senior police and railway officials reached the site, cordoned off the area, and launched a joint investigation.

Restoration work on the track has begun, with additional security measures implemented to ensure safe train operations.

Police have registered a case against unknown persons and are working to identify those responsible. No detailed official statement has been released yet.