Blast disrupts train services in Orissa

KOLKATA - Train services in the Chakradharpur-Rourkela and Rourkela-Hatia sections of South Eastern Railway (SER) were disrupted for over eight hours following an explosion early Sunday near Rourkela in Orissa, an official said.

“Miscreants triggered the blast at the signalling and link cabins near Bondamunda station near Rourkela, resulting in damage of signalling panels and other vital telecommunication equipment,” the SER spokesperson said.

Officials suspect Maoist involvement, but added that investigations were on.

The Chakradharpur-Rourkela section is one of the three Maoist-hit sections in SER, where night train movement has been restricted following the May 28, 2010 Gyaneshwari Express sabotage in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district which left 148 people dead.

“After being informed of the incident, considering the safety and security of the passengers train services on both the sections were stopped immediately. All the concerned security agencies including Government Railway Personnel (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF) and the Bomb Disposal Squad were rushed to the spot.

“Train services on the sections were resumed in the morning after the security personnel gave necessary security clearance,” the spokesperson told IANS at the SER headquarters here.

Following the disruption, the Jnaneswari Express and the LTT-Shalimar Express are running behind schedule. The Howrah-Mumbai Gitanjali Express and the Howrah-Chennai Coromandal Express leaving Howrah station have been rescheduled.