Thieves Cut Overhead Wire, Halting Train Services
In a bizarre incident, thieves cut and stole the overhead electric wire on the Gaya-Patna rail section in Bihar on July 9, 2026, leading to a major disruption of train services for several hours. The theft occurred near the Gaya railway station, affecting both passenger and freight trains on the busy route.
Details of the Incident
According to railway officials, the thieves targeted a section of the overhead electric wire that powers locomotives on the electrified track. The wire was cut and removed during the night, leaving a gap of about 200 meters. The theft was discovered early in the morning when a train crew noticed a power failure and reported it to the control room.
"The thieves cut the wire and made off with it, causing a complete halt in train movements on that section," said a senior railway official. "We had to suspend services until the wire was replaced, which took several hours."
Impact on Train Operations
The disruption affected at least 12 trains, including long-distance express and local passenger services. Trains were delayed by up to four hours, and some were diverted via alternate routes. Passengers faced inconvenience as they were stuck at stations or on trains without power.
"We were stranded for over three hours near Gaya. There was no announcement about the delay initially," said a passenger traveling on the Patna-Delhi Rajdhani Express. "It was only after we saw railway staff working on the tracks that we realized something was wrong."
Railway Response and Investigation
Railway authorities quickly deployed a team of engineers and technicians to repair the damaged section. The overhead wire was replaced by late afternoon, and train services resumed gradually. An investigation has been launched to identify the culprits, and the Government Railway Police (GRP) has registered a case.
"We are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby stations and questioning locals," said a GRP officer. "This is a serious offense as it jeopardizes passenger safety and disrupts railway operations."
Previous Incidents and Security Concerns
This is not the first such incident on the Indian railway network. In recent years, there have been several cases of theft of railway property, including copper wires and signaling equipment, often sold as scrap. The East Central Railway zone has reported multiple instances of wire theft, leading to calls for enhanced security measures.
Railway officials have urged passengers to report any suspicious activity near tracks and stations. "We are working with local police to prevent such incidents. However, the vastness of the network makes it challenging to monitor every section," added the official.
