Indian Railways Suspends Night Train Services Amid Rising Tensions with Pakistan

Security Measures Implemented by Indian Railways

New Delhi: In response to escalating tensions with Pakistan, Indian Railways has announced the suspension of night train services in border regions, specifically in Jammu and Punjab.

This decision impacts areas near the International Border and the Line of Control (LoC), including cities such as Amritsar, Bathinda, Firozpur, and Jammu.

Official sources indicate that trains previously scheduled to run at night will now be adjusted to operate during daylight hours.

Moreover, some short-distance trains in these sensitive areas will be cancelled until further notice.

This precautionary action follows a rise in military activities along the border.

The government has reported that the Pakistan military is mobilizing troops to forward positions, raising alarms about potential escalation. In turn, Indian armed forces have increased their operational readiness.

Railway officials have stated that over 15 trains are likely to be affected by this rescheduling.

To alleviate passenger inconvenience, Indian Railways plans to run special daytime trains to ensure connectivity in these regions. Regular daytime train services will continue without interruption.

The decision to cease night operations comes after reports of blackout orders in border areas to safeguard civilian infrastructure from potential nighttime targeting. Intelligence reports indicate a heightened risk of drone activity and artillery shelling from Pakistan.

During a press briefing on India's military readiness under 'Operation Sindoor', Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, alongside 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.”

Wing Commander Singh also highlighted recent hostilities along the LoC, mentioning, “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.”