Assam: Train movement restored after suspected blast damages track near Kokrajhar

Train services along the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) route were briefly disrupted early Thursday, October 23, following a suspected blast on the railway track between Salakati and Kokrajhar stations in Assam’s Kokrajhar district.

 

According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of NFR, the incident occurred around 1 a.m. when the local pilot and train manager of a goods train passing through the section heard a loud sound and felt a sudden jerk. Sensing something amiss, they immediately halted the train and inspected the area.

 

“Upon checking, damage was noticed on the railway track and sleepers. It appeared to be a case of a suspected explosion. The Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and state police were informed right away, and an investigation was initiated,” the CPRO said.

 

Emergency restoration work was promptly undertaken by railway engineers, and by 5:25 a.m., the damaged portion of the track was fully repaired, allowing train movement to resume safely.

 

During the period of disruption, around eight train services were affected, resulting in delays of one to two hours. The trains were temporarily halted at nearby stations to ensure passenger safety, officials confirmed.

 

In response to the suspected blast, the Northeast Frontier Railway has intensified patrolling and surveillance along sensitive stretches of the track. Additional RPF personnel and engineering staff have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

 

“The incident is being thoroughly investigated by the state police, along with the RPF and GRP teams,” Sharma added, assuring that all safety protocols are being strictly followed.

 

While the cause of the explosion is yet to be officially confirmed, authorities are treating it as a serious security concern and are working jointly to ascertain whether it was an act of sabotage.