What Caused the Railway Track Explosion in Assam’s Kokrajhar?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Explosion caused significant disruption to train services in Assam.
- Emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the incident.
- No casualties reported so far.
- Heightened security measures are now in place.
- Investigation is ongoing to identify the culprits.
Guwahati, Oct 23 (NationPress) Train operations faced significant disruptions following a strong explosion that affected a segment of the railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations in Assam’s Kokrajhar district, officials reported on Thursday.
The blast occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, as per official statements.
Initial reports indicate that an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated approximately five kilometers east of the Kokrajhar railway station, leading to severe damage to the track and resulting in the suspension of train services on both directions.
Railway officials promptly halted operations as a safety precaution, leaving numerous trains stranded at nearby stations and hundreds of passengers waiting for hours.
Panic ensued among travelers as news of the explosion circulated, with emergency announcements urging passengers to stay calm and await further updates.
Rapid response teams from the railway department, security forces, and bomb disposal units arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. The area was sealed off while experts investigated the damaged track and gathered forensic evidence.
High-ranking police and railway officials also arrived to oversee the repair efforts and manage the inquiry.
While no injuries have been reported thus far, the blast has significantly disrupted train schedules along this crucial route.
Authorities are still working to identify those responsible for this event.
Heightened security measures are now in place throughout Kokrajhar and surrounding areas, with increased patrols along key railway lines as investigators strive to uncover the motives and culprits behind the explosion.
A senior police official stated, “The explosion on the railway tracks has led to significant disruptions in train services. At least one meter of track was damaged due to the explosion. Repairs have been completed, and train services are now back on track. We are conducting an investigation to uncover more details about this incident. At this stage, we cannot definitively conclude whether it was an IED. Further information will be provided once the investigation is finalized.”