Ahead of Republic Day, a bomb blast carried out on railway tracks in Punjab

Freight train damaged; driver injured

Chandigarh – A minor blast blew off a portion of the railway track near Sirhind station in Punjab’s Fatehgarh Sahib district and injured the loco pilot of a freight train, the engine of which sustained some damage, police said on 24th January 2026, Saturday ahead of Republic Day. The incident took place at around 9.50 p.m. on 23rd January 2026, Friday when the freight train was passing through Khanpur village, located 4-5 kilometers away from the Sirhind station, according to a Government Railway Police official.

It was a dedicated track for freight trains, he said. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Ropar Range) Nanak Singh, who visited the site, said, “Last night, we received information that a minor blast took place here. Several investigation teams have arrived here, and interagency coordination is taking place. We are also in touch with other agencies, which have sent their specialised teams.”

The DIG said that there was no loss of life or major loss of property. “The loco pilot sustained a minor cut on his cheek. He is out of danger,” Mr. Singh said. He said there was no major damage to the railway track as well, and it will soon be restored for train movement. The DIG also promised to ensure that those behind the suspected sabotage are caught.

When asked about the nature of the blast, Mr. Singh said the investigation was at a preliminary stage. “Saying anything now will be premature,” he said, describing it as a “minor blast” and “a criminal activity”, which was “the handiwork of some miscreants”.

Editorial Perspective

The fact that the nation is still forced to celebrate Republic Day, Independence Day and all Hindu festivals under the shadow of terrorism is shameful for a nuclear-armed India.