Train services on the busy Patna-Gaya rail route were disrupted for nearly three hours after thieves allegedly cut an overhead high-voltage electric wire in Bihar’s Jehanabad district.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning near the Unta-Madarpur area, between Tehta and Jehanabad railway stations. The theft affected the down line and caused a major interruption in train movement on the route.
Railway officials said the wire was part of the Overhead Equipment, commonly known as OHE. This system supplies electricity to electric trains through wires installed above railway tracks.
When the wire was cut, the electric supply to the affected section was disrupted. As a result, trains running on the down line could not move normally.
The Patna-Gaya rail section is an important route for daily passengers, office workers, students and long-distance travellers. It connects Patna with Gaya through Jehanabad and Tehta, and several passenger and express trains use this route every day.
According to railway officials, the theft was reported at around 3:05 am. The damaged section involved a 25,000-volt overhead electric wire, which is used to power electric locomotives.
Reports initially mentioned different lengths of wire, with local information suggesting that around 35 metres of wire had been cut near Madarpur railway crossing. Railway officials later said that a longer section of OHE wire was affected between Tehta and Jehanabad stations.
The disruption caused trains to stop or run late, creating problems for passengers travelling early in the morning.
Several passengers reportedly faced long waiting periods at stations and inside trains. Daily commuters travelling between Patna, Jehanabad and Gaya were among those affected by the sudden disruption.
The railway technical team reached the location after receiving information about the damaged wire. Engineers and maintenance staff worked to repair the overhead electric system and restore power supply to the affected section.
During the repair work, some down-line trains were operated through single-line arrangements. This means trains were allowed to use the available operational line under controlled movement while repair work continued on the damaged section.
Railway staff completed the repair work and declared the line fit for operation at around 6:26 am. Normal train movement was restored after nearly three hours of disruption.
The incident has raised serious questions about the security of railway infrastructure in the Jehanabad area.
Overhead electric wires are part of critical railway infrastructure. Cutting or stealing them can create a major safety risk because the wires carry very high voltage.
The OHE system used by Indian Railways generally operates at 25,000 volts. Any unauthorised attempt to cut or touch these wires can be life-threatening.
Railway authorities have warned people not to go near overhead wires, railway poles or damaged electric equipment. Even if a wire appears inactive, it can still be dangerous.
The theft also shows how criminal activity can affect thousands of passengers within a short time. A few metres of stolen wire can stop train services, delay passengers and create pressure on railway staff.
The Railway Protection Force recovered the stolen wire material from a nearby pit, according to information available from the investigation. Officials are now trying to identify the people involved in the theft.
The Railway Protection Force, commonly known as RPF, is responsible for protecting railway property, passengers and railway assets. The force is expected to examine CCTV footage from nearby areas and collect local information to trace the accused.
Police may also investigate whether the theft was carried out by a local group involved in scrap-metal theft.
Copper and aluminium wires are often targeted by thieves because they can be sold as scrap metal. However, railway wires are not ordinary scrap material. They are part of a high-risk electrical system and their theft can lead to serious accidents.
Railway officials may also examine whether the accused had technical knowledge of the OHE system or whether they cut the wire without understanding the danger.
The Patna-Gaya rail route is heavily used by passengers travelling to work, schools, colleges, hospitals and government offices. Gaya is also an important religious and tourism destination because of Bodh Gaya, which attracts visitors from India and abroad.
Any disruption on this route affects not only local passengers but also long-distance travellers.
The incident has led to calls for stronger security along railway tracks, especially in isolated areas where thieves may get access during the night.
Railway authorities may increase patrolling near vulnerable sections, install more CCTV cameras and improve coordination with local police stations.
The theft has also highlighted the need for better monitoring of scrap markets. Stolen railway equipment is often sold through illegal scrap networks, making it important for authorities to check suspicious purchases of metal wires and railway materials.
Passengers affected by the disruption faced delays, missed connections and uncertainty about train schedules. Some trains were stopped at stations, while others moved slowly after operations resumed.
Railway officials said the situation was brought under control after the technical team repaired the wire and checked the affected line.
The incident did not involve any reported injury, but it created a serious operational challenge for the railway administration.
Officials are expected to take further action after completing the investigation. If the accused are identified, they could face charges related to theft, damage to railway property and disruption of public transport services.
The case is a reminder that railway infrastructure is not only government property but also an essential public service used by millions of people.
Damage to railway wires, tracks, signals or other equipment can affect passenger safety and cause major financial losses.
For now, train services on the Patna-Gaya route have been restored. However, the theft has raised concerns about whether stronger night surveillance and security measures are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.