A major disruption on the Mumbai–Delhi rail corridor occurred on Sunday after a fire broke out in the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district, leading to delays and regulation of several trains. The incident took place around 5.15 am between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations (Kota division) when flames were detected in the B-1 air-conditioned coach and later spread to the adjoining luggage-cum-guard (SLR) coach. All 68 passengers were safely evacuated within minutes, and officials confirmed that there were no casualties. Railway authorities immediately cut off overhead electric supply and detached the affected coaches to prevent further damage.While emergency teams worked to contain the blaze, rail traffic on the busy route was disrupted, affecting multiple passenger services. In a separate but related development, five railway staff members were injured when a van carrying repair equipment overturned en route to the site, complicating restoration efforts. Officials have said that operations are gradually being restored, though full normalisation will take time as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
Fire breaks out
The fire erupted at around 5:15 am in the B-1 AC coach of Train No. 12431, the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, while it was passing between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations. Railway officials said the blaze quickly spread to the rear SLR coach, prompting immediate emergency action. “All the passengers were deboarded from the affected coach in 15 minutes,” officials stated, adding that swift evacuation ensured complete safety of all 68 passengers on board.Railway staff cut off overhead electric supply as a precaution, while fire brigades were summoned to control the blaze. The affected coaches were later detached from the rake to isolate the incident. The fire caused significant damage to both coaches before being brought under control, temporarily halting movement on the section.Also read: How railway staff quickly rescued passengers from burning Rajdhani Express
Probe under way
Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire in the Rajdhani Express. The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been deployed to examine the burnt coaches and collect evidence from the site. Officials have confirmed that the exact reason for the blaze remains “not yet ascertained” and all possible technical and operational angles are being reviewed.West Central Railway Headquarters CPRO Harshit Shrivastava said, “The primary cause of the fire is not yet known, but an immediate investigation has been ordered to determine the cause.”He further detailed the initial response, stating, “Upon receiving the incident report, the railway administration quickly informed the district administration and immediately deboarded all passengers. Fortunately, no passengers were injured. The affected coaches were separated and isolated, and the local fire brigade was called in with the help of the local administration to extinguish the fire.”Further assuring that all affected passengers received assistance he added, “The train is currently stationary, and it will depart as soon as a diesel engine arrives. Affected passengers have been provided with food and will be adjusted in other coaches. Additionally, a new coach is being planned in Kota to shift the affected passengers, ensuring they face no inconvenience. Affected passengers can contact the railway helpline numbers for assistance. The incident can also be inquired about by dialling 139. Later, the West Central Railway constituted a High Administrative Grade (HAG)-level inquiry committee to investigate the fire incident involving one passenger coach and one luggage brake and generator car (LWRRM) of Train No. 12431 Thiruvananthapuram Central–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations on May 17.The committee was constituted by the General Manager of West Central Railway and includes senior officials from West Central Railway, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The Principal Chief Safety Officer of West Central Railway has been appointed as the convener of the panel.Railway officials said the committee has been directed to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe under provisions of the Accident Manual. It will conduct a detailed examination of the cause of the fire, technical aspects and safety parameters, and recommend measures to prevent recurrence of similar incidents in future.
Restoration work
Railway authorities carried out emergency response and restoration measures after the fire in the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district. Officials said the affected coaches were separated from the train rake and isolated after the overhead electric supply was switched off as a safety measure. A relief train and a tower wagon were deployed for rescue and restoration work, according to railway officials.Meanwhile the rest of the train headed for its further journey at around 9.45 am, said Shrivastava. It reached Kota at 1:15pm and left from the station at 2:30pm, officials said.Later, Kota railway PRO Ravindra Lakhara said, “The fire affected the movement of 13 passenger trains. The repair work of the overhead equipment on the (Delhi-bound) up line, on which the train caught fire, was completed around 1 pm. On the down Delhi-Mumbai line, it was done at 8.30 am,” Lakhara said.Services of around 5 to 10 trains were impacted due to the disruption, with some being halted at nearby stations. Helpline numbers, including 139, were issued for passenger assistance. Authorities expect full normalisation of traffic once track and overhead system restoration is completed.
Passenger woes
Affected passengers were given an initial compensation of Rs 5,000 at Kota station towards ticket fare and damage to luggage, with the amount disbursed in envelopes. However, several passengers refused to accept the compensation and demanded registration of an FIR over the loss of their belongings.“I have lost my year’s earnings as my luggage has been gutted. I have nothing in hand now,” said a passenger travelling from Goa to Haryana. She also alleged that the railway’s rescue operation was inadequate and said she intended to file an FIR.A passenger from Maharashtra said his luggage was reduced to ashes due to the “carelessness of the railways”. He further alleged that railway staff first prioritised saving parcels and courier consignments before attending to passengers’ luggage, reported PTI.
Van, coming for assistance, overturned
In a separate incident linked to the emergency response, a railway van carrying repair equipment to the site overturned in Ratlam district. Officials said the vehicle was transporting essential tools for overhead equipment restoration when a cow suddenly strayed onto the road, causing the driver to lose control. The van was moving from Shyamnagar towards Alot at the time of the accident.Five railway employees were injured in the incident, with one reported to be in critical condition. All injured personnel were first taken to a nearby hospital and later referred to Kota in Rajasthan for advanced treatment. The accident briefly slowed down restoration coordination efforts, as the team was en route to assist in repairing damaged overhead electric infrastructure.