With the CPI (Maoist) unleashing violence in Dantewada ahead of its two-day bandh in five States, the Railways have put its security machinery on a high alert, initiating a slew of measures and cancelling trains.
Apprehending violence, especially in Bihar and Jharkhand, where the Railways have been targeted during the bandhs called by the Naxalites in the past, the Railways have cancelled at least eight trains and diverted six others.
The bandh will cover Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh.
Railway officials said they were coordinating with these governments to ensure smooth movement of trains.
To prevent the recurrence of the March incident in which the Naxalites targeted a Rajdhani Express, the Railways have instructed that the Rajdhani Express trains be run at a restricted speed to cope with any emergency that might be caused by damage to the track. Pilot engines have been deployed as escorts.
