The High Speed Rail (TGV) network in France has been disrupted by alleged "sabotage" just before the Olympics opening ceremony at Paris. As per media reports, the network was attacked by coordinated malicious acts, which also included fire, in the  early hours of Friday 26, July.

Authorities mark it as a coordinated attempt (sabotage) to disrupt travel just hours ahead of the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris. SNCF, the  French Rail Company, says that this coordinated overnight sabotage is an attempt to paralyse the rail system, as several  high speed TGV lines have been hit across the North, East and West of Paris.  There are long queues seen at the Montparnasse station, which serves the western part of Paris, as per media reports. The  authorities have also asked people to avoid going to the stations and re-organise their travel plans as reverting the systems back to normal will take most of the weekend.

SNCF said that the disruption has affected the Northern, Eastern and Atlantic High Speed lines and that most trains will be diverted or cancelled. While more disruptions are expected, police are stepping up the security  crews oversee repairs.

The movement of regular travels as well as those visiting the Olympic ceremony and the sporting events will be largely disrupted. The authorities however have assured that they will synchronise the movement of participants viz. officials and atheletes from the participating countries to reach their destinations in time.

Following the national elections in France recently, as per media reports authorities had been working to try and assess the possible disruptions in the run up to the Olympics. They had bene confident that the games will be safe.

Source: Media Reports