Fire breaks out in Rajdhani Express coach near Madhya Pradesh, all passengers safe; probe launched

Fire in Rajdhani Express train. Pic/Special Arrangement

A fire incident occurred in the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (12431) on Sunday, May 17, at around 05:15 am. As per the information received, the B-1 coach of the train caught fire when it was passing through Madhya Pradesh near the Nad-Kota section between Luni Richha (LNR) and Vikramgarh Alot (VMA).

The fire was initially noticed in the B-1 coach (near the SLR end) when the train was at Km 729/02 (loco) and 728/14-16 (SLR) in the down direction. Prompt action by railway staff ensured that all passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coach without any injuries or casualties.

An official from the Western Central Railway, while briefing about the incident, said that immediately after the incident, overhead equipment (OHE) power supply was switched off as a safety precaution. The affected coach was detached from the rake to prevent the fire from spreading further. Railway employees and officers rushed to the spot and carried out fire-fighting operations to bring the situation under control.

No injuries reported

Passengers from the affected coach were provided refreshments at the site. Railway authorities also arranged for an additional coach to be attached at Kota station to ensure continuation of the journey for passengers.

Soon after the incident was reported, senior railway officials from Kota reached the site to oversee rescue and restoration operations. The train later resumed its journey towards Vikramgarh Alot at around 09:48 am on Sunday with the help of a diesel engine after being cleared from the incident site.

Railway officials have confirmed that the situation is now fully under control. However, the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is currently under investigation.

High-level inquiry committee formed to probe

West Central Railway has constituted a High Administrative Grade (HAG) level inquiry committee to investigate the fire incident involving Train No. 12431 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on May 17, 2026.

According to railway officials, the fire broke out in one passenger coach and one LWRRM (Luggage Brake and Generator Car) between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations.

The inquiry committee has been formed by the General Manager of West Central Railway and includes senior officials from West Central Railway, Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).

Principal Chief Safety Officer appointed as convener of committee

The Principal Chief Safety Officer of West Central Railway has been appointed as the convener of the committee. Other members include senior electrical, mechanical and security officials from the railway zones and technical bodies.

Railway authorities said the committee has been directed to complete the inquiry within the prescribed timeframe under the Accident Manual provisions.

The panel will examine the cause of the fire, technical aspects and safety systems to help prevent similar incidents in future.

Indian Railways stated that passenger safety remains its top priority and all necessary measures are being taken following the incident.