Averted disasters unfolded in Uttar Pradesh's Hardoi district as vigilant loco pilots foiled attempts to derail two trains, including the prestigious Rajdhani Express, on Monday evening. According to police reports released Tuesday, the swift actions of the train operators prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident.
The attempted derailment occurred between the Dalelnagar and Umartali stations, specifically at kilometer marker 1129/14 on the Hardoi-Lucknow rail route. Unidentified individuals had placed wooden blocks tied together with earthing wire across the tracks, creating a significant obstruction intended to knock the trains off the rails. The first train targeted was the Rajdhani Express (20504), en route from Delhi to Dibrugarh in Assam. Around 5:45 PM, the loco pilot spotted the obstruction and immediately applied the emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt just before impact. After removing the wooden blocks and earthing wire, the pilot informed railway officials about the incident. The Rajdhani Express experienced a minor delay of approximately ten minutes before resuming its journey.
Shortly after the Rajdhani Express passed, a second attempt was made to derail the Kathgodam Express (15044), which was headed towards Lucknow. Fortunately, the loco pilot of this train was also alert and aware of the potential danger, successfully averting another derailment. The prompt responses of both loco pilots are being lauded for preventing what could have been a major accident with significant casualties.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Neeraj Kumar Jadaun visited the site on Monday evening to assess the situation and provide necessary instructions. He confirmed that a joint investigation is underway, involving teams from the Government Railway Police (GRP), the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police. The authorities are working to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for this act of sabotage.
The incident has raised concerns about railway safety and security in the region. While investigations are ongoing, railway officials have not yet released an official statement, but sources indicate a heightened state of caution and vigilance along the Hardoi-Lucknow rail route. Security measures are likely to be reviewed and reinforced to prevent future attempts.
This is not the first time that railway tracks in the Hardoi region have been targeted. In March 2025, a group of teenagers were apprehended for attempting to derail a train in the same district, with their motive being to create a viral video for social media. In October 2024, a wooden log was placed on the railway track near Malihabad, Hardoi, causing the Bareilly-Varanasi Express to collide with it, which caused damage to the track's signal device and disruption to train services. These previous incidents underscore the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard railway infrastructure and passenger safety.
The averted derailments of the Rajdhani Express and Kathgodam Express serve as a reminder of the importance of alertness and quick thinking on the part of train personnel. The incident is currently under investigation, with authorities working to determine the motive and identity of those responsible for the sabotage attempt.
