What Impact Did Cable Theft Have on Metro Services in Gandhinagar?
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Synopsis
The recent theft of nearly 700 meters of power supply cable in Gandhinagar has halted metro services, prompting a serious police investigation. This brazen act raises alarming questions about security measures in public infrastructure. As authorities search for culprits, the incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety in urban areas.
Key Takeaways
- The theft of 700 meters of power supply cable has halted metro services in Gandhinagar.
- The estimated loss from the theft is Rs 17.85 lakh.
- The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
- Concerns about security in public infrastructure are under scrutiny.
- Similar thefts have occurred in Gujarat in recent years.
Gandhinagar, June 3 (NationPress) Nearly 700 meters of power supply cable essential for the metro rail system was stolen, leading to a significant disruption in metro services in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, as reported by officials. A police investigation is currently underway.
The Infocity Police Station has lodged a case of theft valued at Rs 17.85 lakh, and efforts are in progress to locate the group of thieves involved.
This audacious theft raises concerns about the security of public infrastructure in the state capital. The operation appears to have been well-planned, specifically targeting the Ahmedabad-Gandhinagar Metro line.
According to police sources, Mayur Joshi, a section engineer at Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation Limited, filed the official complaint. Joshi has over a decade of experience managing power traction systems for the metro.
The incident came to light when traction power controller Amar Patel informed Joshi about an electric supply failure impacting metro train movement between Koba Circle Metro Station and Old Koba Metro Station.
Upon investigation, it was revealed that unidentified criminals had used sharp tools to cut and steal the electric cables directly from the tracks.
A total of 28 copper cables were taken from the vicinity of the metro rail track near the duck bridge between Koba Circle and Koba Metro Station. These cables measured a combined length of approximately 700 meters, with an estimated value of Rs 17.85 lakh.
The Infocity Police have filed an FIR against unidentified individuals and have commenced an investigation.
Authorities are also considering the possibility of insider involvement, given the technical precision involved in the theft.
In recent years, Gujarat has seen multiple high-profile thefts involving public infrastructure, raising serious concerns about security and law enforcement in urban areas.
On May 23, train services on the Ahmedabad Metro’s East-West corridor faced a temporary halt due to the theft of nearly 500 meters of copper cable, resulting in a major power outage between Apparel Park and Old High Court stations.
An FIR was registered at Shahpur Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, citing the theft of copper cables worth Rs 9 lakh. This incident occurred when an unknown individual reportedly climbed the steel bridge between Shahpur and Old High Court stations and used a sharp tool to cut the power supply cables.
In March 2024, a major theft in Surat was reported, where miscreants absconded with over 500 meters of underground copper cables used for city street lighting, plunging multiple areas into darkness and disrupting traffic safety systems. Similarly, in Ahmedabad, thieves previously targeted the Sabarmati Riverfront project by stealing decorative lighting cables and water pump wiring, leading to damages worth several lakhs.
Point of View
I acknowledge that this incident reflects a growing trend of thefts targeting public infrastructure in our cities. It raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of security measures in urban areas, emphasizing the need for enhanced vigilance and improved law enforcement strategies to protect essential services.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Gandhinagar?
Nearly 700 meters of power supply cable used for metro services were stolen, causing significant disruptions.
How much is the stolen cable worth?
The stolen cables are estimated to be worth around Rs 17.85 lakh.
Is there an investigation underway?
Yes, the Infocity Police have registered a case and are investigating the theft.
What security measures are in place?
This incident raises concerns about existing security measures for public infrastructure, which may need to be reevaluated.
Have there been similar incidents in Gujarat?
Yes, Gujarat has seen several thefts involving public infrastructure in recent years, raising significant security concerns.
