Train services in western Assam were suspended after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) damaged a railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations late Monday night. The explosion on the New Bongaigaon–Guwahati route caused widespread concern among passengers and locals. Security forces immediately rushed to secure the area and prevent further damage.
According to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials, the blast occurred around 11:30 pm. No casualties were reported, but the track sustained significant damage, halting train movement for several hours. The authorities are treating the incident as an act of sabotage and investigating the individuals behind the Assam train blast.
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Panic Ensues, But Major Tragedy Avoided
Eyewitnesses described a loud explosion near Salakati, followed by vibrations across nearby villages. Initially, residents thought a freight train had derailed. Later, officials confirmed that the blast targeted the railway track itself.
The explosion damaged one of the main tracks used by long-distance trains. Fortunately, no train was passing at the time. NFR teams detected the damage quickly and instructed control rooms to suspend train operations in the affected sector.
Railway officials said quick action by maintenance staff prevented a potential disaster. They worked overnight to replace the damaged track and restore partial services. Passengers traveling toward Guwahati and Bongaigaon faced delays, while freight trains were temporarily diverted.
Joint Investigation Launched
Authorities launched an immediate investigation following the Assam train blast. Assam Police are coordinating with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and central security agencies, including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to examine the scene.
Initial findings indicate that a low-intensity IED was planted deliberately to damage the track. Officials suspect extremist elements operating in the region. No organization has claimed responsibility yet, but security forces are reviewing all possible leads.
Police intensified searches in nearby villages and forested areas. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs scanned for additional explosives. Senior officers from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) administration visited the site to assess the situation.
Kokrajhar Superintendent of Police assured the public that authorities would act decisively against anyone attempting to destabilize the region. He emphasized that preventive measures and strict enforcement would minimize future threats.
Restoration Work and Partial Train Movement
Railway engineers began repairing the damaged track immediately after securing the site. By morning, one track was restored, allowing a limited number of passenger and freight trains to resume under supervision.
NFR confirmed that safety inspections would continue for several days to ensure complete stability of the track. Revised train schedules were issued, and passengers were urged to check updates before traveling. Officials expect full services to resume within a few days, depending on repair progress and security clearance.
The Assam train blast has prompted the railway ministry to review safety measures for tracks passing through sensitive areas. A Railway Board team may visit Assam soon to recommend additional precautions.
Political Leaders Condemn the Incident
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma condemned the blast as a “cowardly attempt to disrupt peace.” He assured the public that police would apprehend the culprits and ordered additional security across railway networks.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also praised the swift response by local authorities and railway personnel. He stated that the government would provide all necessary support to restore services and maintain passenger safety.
Political leaders from BTR called for calm and public cooperation with authorities. They highlighted the need for community vigilance to prevent such attacks in the future.
Security Measures Across Northeastern Railways
Following the Assam train blast, Northeast Frontier Railway issued alerts to all divisions. Security checks at major stations in Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya increased. Patrol teams monitor vulnerable stretches, including bridges, tunnels, and border-adjacent tracks.
RPF officers now coordinate closely with local police to identify suspicious movements. Night patrols increased, and CCTV systems were upgraded at critical points. Authorities stressed that constant vigilance remains vital, especially near international borders with Bhutan and Bangladesh.
Ensuring Public Confidence
Railway authorities and the Assam government have assured passengers of their safety. Emergency helplines provide updates on train services and repair progress.
Passengers at Kokrajhar and Salakati stations expressed relief that no lives were lost despite the blast. They praised the quick response of railway and security personnel.
The recent Assam train blast highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in insurgency-prone areas. However, the swift reaction of police and railway staff demonstrates Assam’s commitment to maintaining safety and public trust.
Authorities continue to work on security reinforcement, preventive monitoring, and public awareness campaigns. These measures aim to protect passengers, restore services quickly, and deter potential sabotage attempts in the future.
The state government and railway officials remain vigilant to ensure normalcy returns while investigating those responsible for the blast.
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