Train operations on the busy Patna-Gaya rail section faced a major disruption early Thursday morning, July 9, 2026, after miscreants severed a high-tension overhead electric (OHE) wire. The incident, which took place near the Unta-Madarpur area in Bihar’s Jehanabad district, brought rail traffic to a complete standstill for three critical hours, leaving several passengers stranded and schedules in disarray.
Key highlights of the incident include:
- Time of disruption: Rail services were halted between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM.
- Infrastructure damage: Approximately 35 meters of a 25,000-volt OHE cable were cut and stolen.
- Impacted trains: Palamu Express, Hatia-Patna Express, Ganga-Damodar Express, Hatia-Islampur Express, and Gaya-Patna MEMU experienced significant delays.
- Resolution: East Central Railway (ECR) technical teams restored the line by 7:00 AM.
Security breach and rapid response
Railway authorities were alerted to the situation around 3:00 AM. Upon receiving the report, personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and technical teams from the Danapur Rail Division were immediately dispatched to the site. The audacity of the crime, which involved cutting a high-voltage line, has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of vital railway infrastructure, especially given the proximity of local RPF and GRP posts.
Following a swift search operation, the RPF successfully recovered the stolen wire from a nearby pit, where it had been abandoned by the perpetrators. While the technical teams worked tirelessly to repair the damaged power lines and restore signal communication, the incident caused a cascading effect on train schedules across the Danapur Division.
Ongoing investigation
Local law enforcement and railway security agencies are currently conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. Officials are reviewing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and have launched a manhunt to apprehend those responsible for the sabotage. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian Railways in protecting critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism. Passengers are advised to check the current status of their trains via the NTES app or the official IRCTC website before heading to the station for upcoming journeys on this route.