A suspected blast damaged a section of railway track between Kokrajhar and Salakati stations in the Alipurduar Division of Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) in Kokrajhar district in the wee hours today.
It disrupted train services. According to the Railways officials, the blast, suspected to be caused by an explosive device, occurred when a goods train was passing through the route.
The train manager reported a heavy jerk, after which the train was stopped. State Police, Railway Protection Force and intelligence authorities are investigating the matter.
Restoration work was initiated on war-footing for the resumption of train services on the route. The track was fully repaired, following which normal train operations resumed. Patrolling has been intensified in the section.
The blast that occurred a little after midnight is suspected to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), said sources. It created a small crater on the tracks and halted train movement for several hours.
Security personnel and railway engineers rushed to the spot soon after the explosion. In a precautionary measure, train services were suspended while repair work and detailed inspection were carried out.
“At about 1.00 am on 23.10.2025, when the goods train UP AZARA Sugar was passing between Salakati and Kokrajhar, the train manager reported a heavy jerk, after which the train was stopped.
On checking, it was found that there was damage on the track and sleepers due to a suspected bomb blast,” said Northeast Frontier Railways (NFR).
The state and railway police and intelligence authorities are investigating the matter.
Officials said the stretch is now open for normal train movement.
“Track has been restored at 5.25 am and normal train running has resumed.
Around eight trains underwent detention due to the incident. Patrolling has been intensified in the section,” said the NFR in a statement.