Railways may suspend night operations in Maoist-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 in Kolkata on Friday.

The Maoists are observing a 'black week' in five states and the railways have received intelligence inputs of serious threat to rail properties during this period.

"There are intelligence reports of a threat to railway properties from these elements (Maoists) as they are observing a '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.

The Railway Protection Force has issued a red alert in five states and stepped up patrolling in the affected areas.

Over 100 passengers were killed when Maoists attacked a Maharashtra-bound train on Friday morning, leading to its derailment in West Bengal's West Midnapore district.