France's Rail Network Disrupted by Arson Attacks Ahead of Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

Paris: Just hours before the Paris Olympics' opening ceremony, French rail company SNCF reported that its high-speed network has been targeted by "malicious acts" aimed at disrupting services. The disruption affected several high-speed TGV lines in the west, north, and east of Paris, and also impacted trains to neighboring Belgium and London via the Channel Tunnel. Long queues have formed at Montparnasse station, which serves destinations to the west of the capital.

Passengers at St. Pancras station in London were warned to expect delays of around an hour to their Eurostar journeys. Announcements in the departure hall at the international terminus informed travelers heading to Paris that there was a problem with overhead power supplies.

SNCF took to X and shared a video of the repair work and wrote, “Our teams are hard at work repairing the damage caused by arson in the signaling stations of the impacted LGV lines. Here in the Courtalain substation (28), the cables in each electrical cabinet are replaced and tested one by one.”

France's state-owned SNCF company has advised rail passengers to postpone their trips if possible. SNCF is urging travelers "not to go to the station," noting that only the Atlantique, Nord, and Est lines of the TGV network are affected. The Atlantique line runs from Paris to Bordeaux, the Nord line connects Paris to Lille, and the Est line travels from Paris to Strasbourg.

The rail company has stated that tickets for these disrupted journeys are exchangeable and refundable. "Following this massive attack aimed at paralyzing the high-speed line network, a large number of trains were diverted or cancelled," SNCF reiterated in a social media post.

Government officials condemned the incidents occurring around France just hours before the Paris Olympics opening ceremony, although no immediate connection to the Games has been identified. 

French Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete has strongly condemned the "criminal acts" following overnight vandalism on the rail network. 

Taking to social media, On social media, Vergriete said, "Co-ordinated malicious acts targeted several TGV lines last night and will seriously disrupt traffic until this weekend. I strongly condemn these criminal actions which will compromise the vacation departures of many French people."

Vergriete also expressed gratitude to SNCF staff for their efforts to restore services “as quickly as possible.”

Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castera said authorities are working to “evaluate the impact on travelers, athletes, and ensure the transport of all delegations to the competition sites” for the Olympics. Speaking on BFM television, she said, “Playing against the Games is playing against France, against your own camp, against your country.” She didn't identify who was behind the vandalism.

Paris police chief Laurent Nunez, speaking on France Info radio, said he would send police reinforcement to overcrowded train stations in relation to the SNCF incidents.

National police said authorities are investigating the situation, with French media reporting a significant fire on a busy western route. Many French families are also beginning their summer vacations on Friday.

Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

The Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony will kickstart at 11:00 PM IST and will be live-streamed and telecast in India as well. As per Olympics.com, in a first, the opening ceremony will not be conducted inside a stadium. The traditional Parade of Nations will be taking place along the river Seine, flowing through the heart of Paris.

Over 10,000 Olympic athletes will be cruising through the Seine and passing through some of Paris' most iconic landmarks, like Notre Dame, Pont des Arts, Pont Neuf and more on around 100 boats.

This floating parade will depart from Austerlitz Bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes and will meet its conclusion at the Trocadero, where the last remaining Olympic-related protocols and shows will be performed. The ceremony is expected to last more than three hours.

India at Paris Olympics

India's two-time Olympic medalist PV Sindhu and multi-time Olympic, Commonwealth and Asian Games medalist Achanta Sharath Kamal will be leading the Indian contingent as flag-bearers, holding the tricolour in their hands.

India will be aiming to outdo their best tally of seven medals from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, which also included a landmark first-ever athletics gold secured by javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra. A total of 112 athletes will be representing the tricolour in 69 events across 16 sports. There will be five reserve athletes too.

During the opening ceremony, the Indian men will be dressed in traditional kurta bundi sets, while female athletes will be wearing matching sarees, reflecting the Indian flag. The outfits feature ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade.