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LPG cylinder on railway tracks
LPG Cylinder Found on Train Tracks in UP
Emergency Brakes Prevent Disaster
Kanpur: In a potentially dangerous situation, the driver of a goods train had to apply emergency brakes after spotting an empty LPG cylinder placed on the railway tracks near Prempur station in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The incident, which occurred on Sunday morning, is the second such event in Uttar Pradesh this month. Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible sabotage attempt.
According to Additional Director General (Railways) Prakash D, an FIR has been lodged with the Government Railway Police (GRP) in Kanpur against unidentified individuals. The incident has sparked concerns about railway safety, and the investigation is being conducted under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Railways Act.
Possible Sabotage Bid
The driver of the goods train, en route from Kanpur to Allahabad, spotted the LPG cylinder on the tracks around 8:10 AM. Fortunately, the train was able to stop in time, preventing any damage or derailment. The cylinder was found to be empty and of a five-kilogram capacity, raising suspicions that the act could have been an attempt to cause harm or disrupt the railway system.
Additional DG Prakash D stated, “We suspect this could be a sabotage attempt, and we are treating it with utmost seriousness.” The FIR has been filed under sections 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as under relevant sections of the Railways Act.
Railway Authorities and Police Respond
Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Shrawan Kumar Singh noted that the quick response from the loco pilot helped avert a potential disaster. “The loco pilot immediately alerted railway officials, who then contacted the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Kanpur police. A joint investigation has been launched into the matter,” Singh said.
Upon receiving the information, railway officials and police arrived at the scene to assess the situation. The LPG cylinder was swiftly removed from the tracks, and a thorough investigation is now underway to determine who placed the cylinder and their intentions.
ADG Railways Arrives for Inspection
Following the incident, Additional DG Prakash D visited the site at Prempur railway station to inspect the scene of the sabotage attempt. He also held discussions with officials from the Railway Protection Force, local police, and railway authorities. Prakash D emphasized the need for increased vigilance and better coordination among law enforcement agencies and railway officials.
The ADG issued instructions to the Station House Officer (GRP Kanpur) and other officials to work closely with the RPF and Kanpur police to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future. “We are implementing an action plan to keep a close watch on the tracks and identify any suspicious activity that could pose a threat to railway safety,” he added.
Previous Incident Raises Alarm
This is not the first time an LPG cylinder has been placed on railway tracks in Uttar Pradesh. Just days earlier, on September 8, an attempt was made to derail the Kalindi Express, which was traveling from Prayagraj to Bhiwani. In that incident, the train hit an LPG cylinder that had been placed on the tracks, but fortunately, the cylinder was thrown off the tracks without causing significant damage or injury.
These two incidents, occurring within such a short span of time, have raised concerns about a pattern of sabotage targeting the railways in Uttar Pradesh. Railway officials and law enforcement agencies are now on high alert, and efforts are being intensified to prevent future occurrences.
Ensuring Railway Safety
In response to the incident, the railway authorities are working on implementing stricter surveillance measures along the tracks. “We are increasing patrols and monitoring key areas where such mischief could occur,” said a senior railway official. The police and Railway Protection Force are also collaborating to ensure that railway tracks are closely watched, especially in areas prone to such activities.
Authorities have urged the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior near railway tracks. “Ensuring the safety of the railways is a top priority, and we will take all necessary steps to prevent any attempts to disrupt the system,” said ADG Prakash D.
Conclusion
The timely action of the goods train driver and the subsequent response from railway authorities and police helped avert a potential disaster in Kanpur. As investigations continue into this and previous incidents, it is clear that railway safety must be a top priority, and sabotage attempts must be dealt with swiftly and effectively. Increased surveillance and coordination between law enforcement and railway officials are key to preventing future threats to the railway network.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on initial reports from law enforcement and railway officials. Further details may emerge as investigations proceed. All information is subject to verification and ongoing inquiry.
