New Delhi:
In a security move, inspired by increasing tension with Pakistan, Indian Railways has decided to stop the night operations in the border areas of Jammu and Punjab.
The decision affects areas close to the International Border and the Line of Control (LOC), including Amritsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur and Jammu.
According to official sources, trains which were prescribed to pass through these areas first night will now be re -determined to operate during daylight.
Additionally, some short distance trains operating in these sensitive areas will be canceled till next notice.
This precautionary measure comes in view of increased military activity along the limit.
The government has said that Pakistan’s army is collecting soldiers in further positions, which has increased the concern of moving forward. In response, the Indian armed forces have increased their operational readiness.
Railway officials said more than 15 trains are expected to be affected by the renovation.
However, to reduce passenger discomfort, Indian Railways will operate special trains during the day to maintain connectivity in these areas. Day train services on the existing schedule will continue without disintegration.
The decision to stop the night operation follows the report of blackout orders in the border areas to prevent possible targeting of civil infrastructure during the night. Intelligence input suggests that the risk of Pakistani drone activity and artillery shelling is high.
In a press briefing on India’s military preparation under ‘Operation Sindoor’, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Colonel Sophia Qureshi of the Indian Army, said, “The Pakistan Army has asked to move its soldiers to further areas. Competitions and responded properly.”
Wing Commander Singh also recently expanded enmity with LoC. He said, “Pakistan has attempted to infiltrate several airspace using drones and operate heavy firefalls targeting civil areas using a high-caliber RT gun. This has led to damage to the infrastructure. Topwara and intense exchange of small weapons have been fired in Kupara, Baramullah, Paon, and acres.”
(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is published by a syndicated feed.)
