Panic Grips Rajdhani Passengers After Coach Catches Fire Near Ratlam [Watch]

Ratlam: Panic gripped passengers as a massive fire broke out early Sunday morning in the B-1 coach and an adjoining SLR (Seating cum Luggage Rake) coach of Hazrat Nizamuddin–Trivandrum Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district.

According to reports, the blaze broke out around 5:15 am as the train was traveling between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations, under the West Central Railway’s Kota Division. At the time, approximately 68 passengers were in the affected coach.

Railway officials acted promptly after the train guard noticed smoke and flames and alerted the loco pilot. The train was immediately halted, the overhead electric (OHE) supply was disconnected to prevent further risk, and emergency evacuation procedures were initiated. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, onboard staff, and officials cleared the coach within about 15 minutes. Nearby coaches were also evacuated as a precaution.

“Railway staff promptly evacuated all passengers, separated the affected coach from the rest of the train, and informed the fire brigade, state administration, and railway authorities. Immediate action ensured the safety of all passengers. The fire has been almost completely controlled. Three fire brigade units, ambulances, and civil administration are on-site, working collaboratively,” Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Jain told the media.

Besides Jain, senior officials, including Divisional Railway Manager Anil Kalra and Kota railway PRO Ravindera Lakhara, reached the site along with police and fire teams. “Railway officials have arrived, and additional coaches are being arranged from Kota. The remaining portion of the train is expected to depart within 30 to 45 minutes, after which track restoration will begin,” he said.

There was temporary disruption to rail traffic on the busy Delhi-Mumbai route for nearly two hours during rescue and safety operations. “This incident has caused some regulation of trains in both directions, affecting approximately 5 to 6 trains… Passengers are advised to contact the railway website or helpline at 139 for any information…,” he added.

While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, and railway authorities have initiated a thorough investigation, examining the affected coach and equipment.

This marks the second fire incident involving AC coaches within two weeks. On May 15, flames broke out in the B1 and B2 AC 3-tier coaches of the Hyderabad-Jaipur Special Express at Hyderabad’s Nampally Railway Station shortly before its scheduled departure. Those coaches were largely empty at the time, allowing firefighters to contain the blaze quickly with no casualties reported. Officials there suspected a possible short circuit.