Ratlam: A fire broke out in the B1 AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (Rajdhani Express) near Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday morning, briefly disrupting rail traffic on the busy Delhi–Mumbai route.
The incident occurred around 5:30 am between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the Kota Railway Division. All passengers were safely evacuated before the fire could spread further, officials confirmed.
Fire spotted while train was in motion
According to initial reports, flames were first noticed in the B1 air-conditioned coach while the train was travelling on the route.
The train guard immediately alerted the loco pilot, who brought the train to a halt to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent coaches.
Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and railway staff quickly reached the spot and began evacuation operations.
Passengers evacuated safely within minutes
Officials said all passengers from the affected coach were safely evacuated within approximately 15 minutes of the incident being reported.
No injuries or casualties have been reported among passengers or railway staff.
Authorities also confirmed that the overhead equipment (OHE) power supply was immediately cut as a precautionary measure.
Emergency response and train disruption
Railway officials detached the affected coach from the rest of the train rake to contain the situation.
Passengers were provided with food and arrangements were made to accommodate them in other coaches.
A diesel engine was arranged to move the train forward once safety checks were completed.
Railway authorities also coordinated alternative arrangements for affected passengers at nearby stations.
Traffic on Delhi–Mumbai route briefly affected
Following the incident, train movement on the Delhi–Mumbai rail corridor was temporarily halted, leading to delays in several services.
Another train, No. 12955, was held up at Mahidpur Road as a precaution.
Railway officials confirmed that normal operations would resume once safety clearance is granted.
Investigation ordered into cause of fire
The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined.
Railway authorities have ordered a detailed investigation to identify what triggered the blaze in the coach.
Officials have assured that a thorough technical inspection will be conducted before the train is allowed to continue its journey.
For now, emergency teams remain on alert as restoration work continues on the affected section of the route.