Railways may suspend night operation in five Naxal-hit states

In the wake of the Maoist attack on a train in West Bengal today, Railways are considering halting night operations in five Naxal-hit states.

"We are discussing the issue of suspending night operation during the night time in Orissa, Bihar, Bengal, Jharkhand and Chhatisgarh. A decision will be taken shortly," Railway Member (Traffic) Vivek Sahai said here today.

Maoists are observing "Black Week" in five states and railways have received intelligence inputs of serious threat to rail properties during this period.

"There are intelligence reports of threat to railway properties from these elements (Maoists) as they are observing 'Black Week'," he said.

"If we halt train operations during night time then the railway time table has to be suspended for a few days. But we have not decided yet," he said.

RPF has issued red alert in five states and stepped up patrolling in the affected areas.    

Sixty-five passengers were killed when Maoists attacked a Maharashtra-bound train leading to its derailment in West Bengal's West Midnapore district.