Patiala/Chandigarh, April 29, 2026:
Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh, on Tuesday announced a major change of security measures along the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC) following a recent blast near Shambhu in Punjab.
The minister visited the site of the explosion along with senior officials from the Ambala Railway Division and conducted an on-ground review of the situation. Expressing concern over repeated attacks on railway infrastructure, Singh said the government would intensify 24-hour patrolling and expand surveillance systems across the corridor.
“As part of immediate steps, we are increasing round-the-clock monitoring and deploying advanced technologies, including drone surveillance, especially in isolated and vulnerable stretches,” Singh told reporters.
Currently, 173 CCTV cameras are operational in the Punjab region under the Ambala Division, with additional installations already in progress. Railway personnel will also carry out continuous ground patrols to enhance track safety.
Officials noted that this is the second such incident in less than three months within a 35-kilometre radius. The previous blast occurred on January 23, not far from National Highway 44, while the latest site lies even closer to the highway. Preliminary findings suggest that perpetrators may be exploiting easy access from the highway to target railway tracks.
The minister indicated possible external involvement in the attacks, stating that “hostile elements” may be attempting to destabilize the region by targeting critical infrastructure. “Such acts are not only a security concern but also attempts to disrupt economic stability,” he added.
The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, which connects Sahnewal in Punjab to West Bengal, plays a crucial role in the movement of goods across the country. Around 30 freight trains operate daily on this route, transporting both industrial and agricultural commodities.
Singh also praised the prompt response of a loco pilot who halted a train after sensing the impact, preventing what could have been a more serious incident. Emergency teams were swiftly deployed to secure the area and assess the damage.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the minister said all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard railway infrastructure, ensure the safety of passengers and freight operations, and maintain uninterrupted economic activity in the region.
