Night Trains Suspended In Border Areas Amid Tensions With Pakistan; Over 15 Trains To Be Affected
Western Railway has suspended several night-time trains passing through Bhuj in Gujarat en route to Rajasthan due to heightened security concerns. A number of these trains have also been either cancelled or short-terminated. In a similar move, trains bound for border districts of Punjab, such as Amritsar and Firozpur, have been halted following the enforcement of blackout protocols in these sensitive areas.
Citing security considerations amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, Indian Railways has decided to suspend all night-time train operations in regions near the International Border and Line of Control (LoC), including parts of Jammu and Punjab. The affected areas include Amritsar, Bathinda, Firozpur, and Jammu, sources told news agency IANS.
According to official sources, trains that were originally scheduled to run during night hours will now be rescheduled to operate during the day. Additionally, select short-distance services in these zones will remain cancelled until further notice. The suspension follows increased military activity along the India-Pakistan border.
Government officials have confirmed that the Pakistan military has mobilised troops into forward positions, prompting fears of further escalation. In response, Indian armed forces have intensified their state of operational readiness.
According to an IANS report, Railways officials stated that more than 15 trains are likely to be impacted due to the rescheduling. To minimise disruption for passengers, Indian Railways plans to run special daytime trains to ensure continued connectivity in the affected regions. Existing daytime services will continue as scheduled.
India-Pakistan Tensions
The suspension of night operations aligns with blackout orders issued in border areas, aimed at preventing possible targeting of civilian infrastructure during the night. Intelligence reports have warned of a high risk of drone intrusions and artillery shelling from across the border.
At a press briefing on India’s military preparedness under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, along with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army, stated: “The Pakistan military has been observed moving its troops into forward areas, indicating an offensive intent to further escalate the situation. Indian armed forces remain in a high state of operational readiness. All hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded to appropriately.”
Detailing the situation along the LoC, Wing Commander Singh added: “Pakistan has attempted multiple airspace intrusions using drones and has conducted heavy shelling targeting civilian areas using high-calibre RT guns. This has resulted in casualties and damage to infrastructure. Intense exchanges of artillery and small arms fire have been ongoing in sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor.”
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