Early Thursday morning, train services on the Patna–Gaya route faced significant disruption for nearly three hours. This disturbance was caused by thieves who allegedly cut several metres of the 25,000-volt overhead electric wire near Unta-Madarpur in the Jehanabad district of Bihar. The incident was reported around 3 am on the down line between Tehta and Jehanabad stations, which impacted multiple train movements.

Response from Railway Authorities

The East Central Railway (ECR) reported that the theft affected the power supply to this section of the rail network, necessitating the suspension of normal operations. The Danapur Railway Division received the first report regarding the disruption, prompting immediate alerts to officials in Jehanabad. Rapid responses were initiated, with teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the railway engineering department, and technical staff dispatched to evaluate the situation and restore train services.

Despite the location of the incident being in proximity to both an RPF post and a Government Railway Police (GRP) station, the theft went unnoticed until a fault in the overhead line was detected. An RPF team, led by Inspector Pradeep Kumar Yadav, arrived at the scene shortly after being informed. Unfortunately, by the time police reached the area, the suspects had reportedly fled.

During a search operation in the vicinity, authorities discovered the cut overhead wire hidden in a nearby pit, which was subsequently seized as evidence. Railway technicians were further deployed using a special vehicle from the East Central Railway to conduct repairs on the damaged overhead equipment and restore the signalling and communication systems needed for normal train operations.

Restoration of Train Services

Railway officials confirmed that the disruption affected train services between approximately 4 am and 7 am. To mitigate delays during restoration, trains on the impacted down line were rerouted along the up line using single-line working. This strategy aided in clearing stranded services while the repairs were being carried out.

Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, stated that the thieves had stolen a few metres of the overhead wire, which led to the interruption of train services along the route. It was confirmed that the stolen wire had been recovered, and the RPF initiated an investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the individuals responsible for the theft. As of now, no arrests have been made.

In light of this incident, railway authorities expressed their commitment to enhancing surveillance along vulnerable stretches of the rail route to deter future thefts. Investigations regarding the recent theft will continue in order to ensure the safety and security of train operations.

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