Massive fire breaks out in India’s Rajdhani Express train; passengers evacuated

A fire broke out in an air-conditioned coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express early Sunday in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, prompting the evacuation of all passengers. No injuries were reported, PTI reported.

Railway officials said the blaze erupted around 5.15 am (local time) in the B-1 coach of train number 12431, which was carrying 68 passengers at the time. The incident occurred between Alot and Lunirichha stations under the Kota railway division.

Authorities immediately detached the affected coach and switched off the overhead electric supply as a precaution. The fire was later brought under control.

All passengers were safely deboarded, and arrangements were made to accommodate them in other coaches to continue their journey up to Kota. An additional coach is expected to be attached at Kota station to restore full capacity.

The Divisional Railway Manager has reached the spot along with an accident relief train. Officials said the cause of the fire is under investigation.

As a precaution, the overhead electric supply was disconnected, and the two damaged coaches were detached from the rest of the train rake, IANS reported.

According to the senior divisional railway manager, the incident caused no casualties or injuries among passengers or railway staff but significantly impacted rail operations. Several trains on the New Delhi–Mumbai line, including the Mumbai–Jaipur Superfast Express, were detained at various stations while tracks were being cleared.

Preliminary reports suspect a short circuit as the cause, though senior officials have ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact origin of the blaze, railway officials said.

Arrangements are now being made to attach an additional coach at Kota station to accommodate the rescued passengers for the remainder of their journey.