New Delhi  - Maoist rebels blew up a railway track which led to the derailment of a passenger train, claiming one life and leaving over 40 people injured in India's eastern state of Jharkhand, officials said Friday.

The attack which led to the suspension of railway traffic on the route came on the eve of a one-day shut-down call in the state by the Maoists.

Eight coaches of the train derailed in the West Singhbhum district some 160 kilometres south of state capital Ranchi on Thursday night.

"One person, a woman, has died in the incident. The Maoists used sophisticated explosive devices in the attack," senior police officer MK Misra told reporters at the scene.

Police used blow-torches to gain access and rescue people trapped in the coaches.

Local media reports said the rebels targeted the train possibly because it was carrying government troops to a neighbouring state for anti-Maoist operations.

The attack comes just a week ahead of elections in the state. The rebels have called for a boycott of the polls.

The Maoists claim they are leading an armed rebellion to secure the rights of India's poor and marginalized people. They operate in 20 of the country's 28 states and Jharkhand is one of the worst-affected.

At least 2,671 people - including civilians, security personnel and rebels - have been killed in incidents related to Maoist violence in India since 2006, according to Home Ministry data.

The government is planning a major offensive against the Maoists, led by state police and supported by federal military forces. (dpa)