“Material has been found at several locations. It appears that this material was deliberately placed on the tracks. We suspect sabotage,” AP quoted van der Cruysen as saying.

“The police are currently involved and are actively investigating the cause and the reasons behind this,” the spokesperson reportedly added.

According to a Reuters report, ProRail said it was not immediately clear who was responsible for the incidents or what the motive was. Police and prosecutors, along with the Dutch intelligence agency AIVD, were investigating the disruptions.

Train services hit during morning rush hour

The disruption caused significant problems around the central cities of Zwolle, Deventer and Amersfoort during the morning rush hour, according to national railway operator NS.

“It is not yet clear how long it will take for train services to return to normal,” NS said in a message to travelers, the AP reported.

Trains operating near the affected sections of track were halted, while disruptions spread to other services, including international trains travelling towards Germany, a Reuters report said.

The incidents also affected road traffic. ProRail said several level crossings had to remain closed because of the material placed around the railway infrastructure.

ProRail said its workers were carefully removing the pipes from the tracks to preserve possible evidence.

“We wear gloves so that the police can eventually check for fingerprints and the like,” van der Cruysen told AP, adding, “And, of course, we try to get train traffic up and running again as soon as possible.”

The AP further reported that police spokesperson Marloes Wesselink has confirmed that an investigation is underway but did not provide further details. She said she was not aware of any group claiming responsibility for the incidents.

Disruption comes ahead of Dutch parliament opening

The railway disruption came hours before King Willem-Alexander was due to open a new session of the Dutch parliament in The Hague. The ceremonial event includes a speech outlining the government’s budget plans for 2027 and attracts thousands of people to the city.

The government’s budget proposals have triggered protests in recent months, including opposition from labour unions over plans to cut social benefits and from farmers who say they are being unfairly blamed for nitrogen pollution. Farmers were also due to hold a protest in The Hague on Tuesday.

There was no immediate indication that the railway sabotage was connected to any of the planned demonstrations or protests.