Detonators Explode on Railway Track

• 24 Sep 2024

Why in News?

A military special train was briefly halted after 10 railway detonators exploded on the tracks near Sagphata, between Nepanagar and Khandwa stations in Madhya Pradesh.

• The incident has prompted an investigation by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) to determine the cause and potential motives behind the placement of the detonators.

Key Points

• The detonators, described as “harmless” by railway officials, are typically used to alert train drivers of potential obstructions or dangers on the tracks.
  • These devices produce a loud noise when triggered by the pressure of a train engine, serving as a warning signal.
  • Their unexpected presence on the tracks during the passage of a military train has raised significant security concerns.
  • The RPF is currently investigating the incident from all angles, including the possibility of sabotage or mischief.
  • This incident has highlighted the need for heightened security measures along railway tracks, especially those used by military trains.
• Detonators:
  • A detonator is a device used to trigger an explosive material, initiating a controlled explosion.
  • Detonators are crucial components in mining, demolition, military applications, and other industrial uses where controlled explosions are required.
  • There are different types of detonators, such as:
    • Electrical Detonators: These are triggered by an electric current and are commonly used in mining and construction. They consist of a small charge that ignites the main explosive.
    • Non-Electrical Detonators: These use other means, such as a shock tube or a fuse, to initiate the explosion without requiring electricity.
    • Electronic Detonators: These advanced devices allow for precise timing of the explosion and are often programmable.

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

• The RPF is an armed force under the control of the Union Ministry of Railways, tasked with protecting railway property, passenger areas, and passengers.
• Originally part of the Watch and Ward set-up of Private Railway Companies in 1881, it was reorganised into a statutory body under the RPF Act, 1957.

Popular Explosives

• Dynamite: Dynamite is a type of explosive mainly made by mixing nitroglycerin with an absorbent material such as clay.
  • This mixture stabilizes the highly volatile nitroglycerin, making it safer to handle and transport.
• Ammonium Nitrate: Ammonium nitrate is an inorganic compound consisting of ammonium ions (NH4) and nitrate ions (NO3).
  • It's commonly used as an agricultural fertilizer, but it can also be used as an explosive in certain conditions, particularly when combined with a fuel source.
• TNT (trinitrotoluene): TNT is an organic compound derived from toluene, an aromatic hydrocarbon.
  • TNT is a yellow, odourless solid that is relatively stable and insensitive to shock and friction, making it a popular choice as an explosive used in military shells, in industrial uses, and in underwater blasting.
• TNE (Trinitroethylener): TNE is an organic nitrate compound. It has been used as an explosive but is less common compared to other explosives like TNT.
• RDX (Royal Demolition explosive): RDX is an organic compound, in appearance it is a white powder and is very explosive widely used in military and civilian applications due to its high explosive power and stability.
  • It is also known as cyclonite or hexogen.