Explosion on Railway Track Disrupts Train Services in Assam’s Kokrajhar

Guwahati:  Train services were severely affected in lower Assam’s Kokrajhar district after a powerful explosion tore through a section of railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations in the early hours of Thursday. The blast, suspected to have been triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED), caused significant damage and brought traffic on the busy route to a halt.

According to officials, the explosion occurred around five kilometres east of Kokrajhar railway station. The impact created a crater on the track and damaged rails, forcing authorities to suspend train movement on both up and down lines. Several trains were stopped at nearby stations, leaving passengers stranded for hours amid confusion and uncertainty.

Teams from the railway department, police, and bomb disposal units were immediately dispatched to the site. The area was quickly cordoned off as forensic experts examined debris and collected evidence to determine the type of explosive used. Senior railway and police officials also reached the spot to assess the situation and supervise restoration work.

While no injuries or fatalities were reported, the incident caused major disruption to train schedules across the northeastern corridor. “The blast damaged about one metre of the railway track, leading to temporary suspension of services. The damaged section has since been repaired, and operations have resumed. We have launched an investigation to establish what caused the explosion,” a senior police official said.

Though early reports pointed to the use of an IED, officials have not confirmed this theory pending further investigation. Security agencies are exploring all angles, including possible links to insurgent groups active in the region.

Following the incident, security was tightened across Kokrajhar and adjoining districts. Additional patrols were deployed along vulnerable railway stretches to prevent any further untoward incidents.

The explosion has reignited concerns over railway security in Assam’s sensitive border districts, where sporadic incidents of sabotage in the past have underscored the continuing threat to critical infrastructure.