Damage to Railway Property by Naxalities and Maoists
	16:54 IST

Lok Sabha An estimated loss of approximately Rs.3,89,05,000/- to the railway property has been reported during 24 hours ‘Economic Blockade’ called by the  Maoists on June 24, 2007.            Maoists reportedly blasted explosive at two placed in Dhanbad Division of East Central Railways (between Barwadih-Mangra stations and between Chetar-Richughuta stations) causing damage to the railway track.  Two electric locos with 22 empty wagons of goods train derailed causing damage to overhead electrical fittings. Following incident of damages to railway property by Naxalites/Maoists have been reported during 2006-07:- 1.        On 25.04 2006, 100/150 extremists equipped with arms arrived at Railway Cabin of Narganjo Railway Station in Asansol – Jhajha Section of Asansol Division over Eastern Railway, kidnapped railway employees,  draggad them towards the  jungle and placed bomb on track at kilometer number 357/21-22.  They blew up the   railway cabin of Narganjo railway station. 2.     On 26.04.2006, Maoists exploded one land mine at kilometer number 364/1-2 between Dashratpur and Jamalpur railway stations in Malda division over Eastern Railway and badly damaged railway track. 3. On 19.05.2006, Maoists removed 02 rail pieces (26 metre length) from the running track over East Coat Railway, while the down train number KVL-35/25 with 53 wagons loaded with Iron ore was passing through Bansi – Kamalur stations.  It led to derailment of all the 03 Electric Locos and capsizement of seven loaded wagons. No loss to human life was reported.  Loss to railway property has been estimated at Rupees 1,65,32,000/- 4.  On 14.08.2006, overhead equipment and signal and telecommunication failed in between Kamalur – Bhansi stations over East Coast Railway because two huge trees were cut and placed on the track by the Maoists. No loss to human life was reported. Loss to railway property is estimated at Rupees 72,000/-. 5.      On 08.10.2006, two rails were removed from running track and one explosive device was planted by Maoists at kilometer number 442/22-23 over East Coast Railway resulting into derailment of goods train and damage of track. No loss to human life was reported. Loss to railway property is estimated at Rupees 1,08,54,939/-. 6. On 15.10.2006, 50/60 Maoists set on fire three locos of train No. NKKC-470 over South Eastern Railway.  7.    On 30.10.2006, Maoists removed two rails from running track at kilometer number 417/8 over East Coast Railway, resulting in derailment of goods train and damage of track. No loss to human life was reported. Loss to railway property is estimated at Rupees 2,24,15,942/-. 8. On 06.12.2006,  a group of armed Naxalites set fire to an  engine between Darakasa –Batalao Railway Stations of Nagpur Division of South East Central Railway in Maharashtra State. No loss of human life. Loss to railway property has been estimated at Rupees 20,000/-. 9. On 10.12.2006, 25/30 armed Naxalites  attacked Railway Protection Force Cash escorting party in train No. 346-Down Tata-Kadakpur passenger over South Eastern  Railway and snatched two .303 Rifles and 30 rounds causing serious bleeding injuries to two on duty Railway Protection Force staff. Following measures are being taken to make the Rail journey safe & comfortable:- * Through  escorting important Mail/Express trains by Railway Protection * Force/Government Railway Police personnel. * By procuring Modern security gadgets. * By close and effective supervision of the staff. * By augmenting Manpower. * By strengthening the Dog Squads. * By holding regular co-ordination meetings with Government Railway Police/Civil Police /Intelligence Agencies. This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri R.Velu in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today. AKS/HK/CK/TR