Railways Likely to Suspend ‘Night Operations’ in Maoist-hit States

Following derailment of Gyaneshwari Express in Midnapore district, the Railways could suspend ‘night operations’ in five Naxal-hit states, said media reports.

“We are discussing the issue of suspending night operations in Orissa, Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh. A decision will be taken shortly,” Railway Member (Traffic) Vivek Sahai was quoted as saying.

Rebels are observing a ‘black week’ in five states and railways said that it got intelligence inputs that there was serious threat to its property during this period, reports said.

“There are intelligence reports of threat to railway properties from these elements (Maoists) as they are observing black week,” he was quoted as saying.

“If we halt train operations during night time then the railway time table has to be suspended for a few days. But we have not decided yet,” he was quoted as saying.

Red alert has been issued in five states by the Railway Protection Force and patrolling stepped up in the affected areas.

(Based on internet reports)