Naxalites Blow Up Railway Track on Odisha-Jharkhand Border: Major Train Disruption and Security Concerns in Chakradharpur Division

A major security scare gripped the Odisha-Jharkhand border this morning when Maoist Naxalites detonated an IED (improvised explosive device) on the Karampada-Rangra rail section of Chakradharpur Rail Division. The powerful explosion badly damaged the railway tracks, causing total disruption of train movement on this key route.

What Happened?

According to railway officials and local police, the incident occurred in the early hours near the Osa area, close to the Odisha-Jharkhand border. The Naxalites, believed to be from the CPI (Maoist) group, planted and triggered the IED, leaving a section of the track mangled. In typical style, the extremists also left a banner at the site, signaling the act as part of their so-called “martyrs’ week” or as a protest against recent police actions.

Impact on Train Services

The targeted railway section is a crucial connector, especially for freight trains, but passenger trains too have been affected. The blast has led to the suspension of all train services—passenger and goods—on the Howrah-Mumbai main line. Many travelers are stranded at different stations, waiting anxiously for updates.

Immediate Response

Railway officials, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police rushed to the spot upon learning of the attack. A technical team was quickly deployed, and work is underway to restore the damaged tracks as soon as possible. Security forces have started a thorough investigation and enhanced patrolling in the region.

Unfortunately, the incident also claimed the life of one police officer, and another is reported injured, heightening concerns about safety for those responding to such attacks.

Ongoing Naxal Threat

This is not an isolated strike—in fact, the area has a history of Maoist violence targeting infrastructure. In 2023, a similar blast was carried out by Naxalites on the Goelkera-Posoita stretch. Attacks like these are often timed with Maoist anniversaries or in response to government crackdowns, as evident by the protest banners found at the site.

Raising Security Concerns

This attack has once again brought the spotlight on the security vulnerabilities in Naxal-affected regions of Jharkhand and Odisha. Despite increased vigilance, such incidents expose the persistent challenge in safeguarding rail and public infrastructure. Railway and police authorities have now escalated surveillance and are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further incidents.

A senior railway officer stated, “Repair work on the tracks is progressing rapidly. Our focus is on restoring services and ensuring safety.”

Conclusion

The attack on the railway track stands as a grim reminder of the ongoing security and law enforcement challenges in Maoist-affected belts. As restoration efforts continue, questions are being raised about the adequacy of security and the need for even more vigilance in these sensitive zones.