Now, trains to run at 50kmph

With the Maoists issuing a fresh bandh call, railways has decided to run trains at 50 kmph in Naxal-affected areas and has alerted its divisions across five states.

After the recent derailment of the Mumbai-bound Jnaneswari Express in Jhargram, the railways has enhanced measures for passenger security. The incident forced railways to cancel night operations of trains in Naxal-hit areas. In a precautionary move, zonal authorities have been instructed to run trains in convoy as far as possible. The convoy will be allowed to move only after a pilot train inspects the rail tracks.

While rail authorities have been asked to be in constant touch with GRP and local police to ensure smooth running of trains, special petrol trains have been kept ready at vulnerable locations with sufficient GRP, RPF and engineering staff. Sources said South Central Zone, which has been asked to take all measures in close coordination with local police and IB, has taken up intensive patrolling of rail tracks, bridges and vital installations.

Railway Board’s instruction of stopping night operations of trains in the Tata Nagar-Kharagpur and Adra-Kharagpur sections will remain enforced.