September 14, 2024: In a troubling incident, the Durg-Vizag Vande Bharat Express, currently on a trial run, was attacked by vandals hurling stones. The attack caused damage to several window panes but, thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The incident took place around 9 PM as the train was traveling through Bagbahra railway station on its return trip from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) to Durg. According to Praveen Singh Dhakad of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), the stones struck the C2, C4, and C9 coaches, resulting in broken windows.
Following the attack, authorities have apprehended five suspects believed to be involved in the incident. It has been noted that one of the suspects has a relative with ties to a political party, although the specifics of this connection are still under review.
The attack comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Durg-Vizag Vande Bharat Express on Monday, marking the eve of his 74th birthday. The new train service is expected to boost connectivity between Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, and the incident has raised concerns about the security of such significant projects.