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| 13-01-2026 Prayagraj |
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| DFC अंबाला में ERC चोरी का पर्दाफाश | |
ERC Theft Busted at DFC Ambala
GPS Technology Averts Major Mishap; Four Arrested
EDFC/Ambala: In a strong demonstration of vigilance and intelligent use of modern technology, the security team of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) has busted an organised gang involved in the theft of Elastic Rail Clips (ERCs) in the Ambala section of the Dedicated Freight Corridor. The swift action not only led to the arrest of four accused but also helped avert a potential major rail safety hazard.
The operation was led by Ashish Mishra, GGM (Security), EDFC, along with his team, who successfully cracked the case within 24 hours, demonstrating exceptional coordination, preparedness, and decisive action on the ground.
During the last week of December 2025, repeated incidents of ERC theft were reported in the New Jaroda Nara–New Mansurpur section under the EDFC Ambala Unit. ERCs are critical components for track stability and safe train operations, and their removal poses serious safety risks. To curb these incidents, DFCCIL’s security personnel adopted an innovative strategy using GPS tracking technology, which led to the arrest of three thieves and one receiver of stolen property.
Theft Detected Through Vigilance
The first theft was reported on the night of 27–28 December 2025, when 309 Elastic Rail Clips were stolen from the track. Upon receiving the information, DFCCIL’s security team immediately launched an intensive search operation and recovered the stolen material from a nearby sugarcane field, thereby preventing any immediate threat to rail safety. Anticipating a repeat attempt, the team decided to adopt a preventive approach.
GPS Trap and Real-Time Tracking
Prioritising prevention over reaction, GPS trackers were discreetly concealed inside two bags of ERCs and placed back at the vulnerable location to enable continuous digital surveillance. As anticipated, the thieves struck again on the night of 30–31 December, stealing 486 ERCs and temporarily hiding them under a DFCCIL culvert. Unaware that GPS-enabled bags had been taken along, the culprits were tracked in real time.
Acting swiftly on live location inputs, DFCCIL security coordinated with local police, intercepted a tractor-trolley carrying the stolen ERCs, and arrested three accused on the spot. Further investigation led to the arrest of another individual involved in receiving the stolen material, taking the total number of arrests to four.
Awareness and Strengthened Coordination
Alongside enforcement action, DFCCIL has launched awareness drives in nearby villages, educating residents about the dangers and legal consequences of railway property theft. Villagers have been advised to maintain a safe distance from DFC railway tracks and refrain from tampering with or stealing railway equipment, as such acts constitute punishable offences.
Following the successful operation, a coordination meeting was held with the SSP Muzaffarnagar and Range Police officers to further strengthen track security. Discussions focused on identifying vulnerable “black spot” areas, enhancing preventive patrolling, and improving coordination between railway authorities and police.
Appreciating the swift action of the security team, Shri Ashish Mishra also highlighted similar successful detections of theft cases involving signal posts near Ambala Station and a track-side connection box (signalling equipment) in the Saharanpur area, which were effectively resolved using GPS tracking technology.
DFCCIL officials stated that the operation sends a clear and strong message of zero tolerance towards theft or sabotage of railway assets. The integration of technology, vigilance, and inter-agency coordination has significantly strengthened the safety framework of the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
(Dr. Amit Malaviya)
Sr. PRO