Massive Fire Breaks Out in Delhi-Bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam
68 passengers safely evacuated after fire erupts in B1 coach of Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express near Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh.
A major fire broke out in the AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express (12431) near Alot station in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district on Sunday morning, triggering panic among passengers. The incident occurred around 5:30 AM between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the Kota Railway Division.
The fire reportedly started in coach B1, located towards the front section of the train, approximately 110 km from Ratlam. According to railway officials, flames spread rapidly inside the coach within seconds after the fire was detected.
Passengers Safely Evacuated
The train guard immediately alerted the loco pilot, following which the train was brought to an emergency halt. Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel and onboard railway staff quickly launched evacuation operations.
Around 68 passengers travelling in the affected coach were safely evacuated within nearly 15 minutes. Officials confirmed that no injuries or casualties were reported among passengers or railway staff.
In an official statement, West Central Railway’s Kota Division said:
“A fire was reported in B-1 coach of Train No. 12431 Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations. All passengers were safely deboarded. No injury or casualty has been reported.”
Coach Detached, Power Supply Cut
Following the incident, railway authorities immediately disconnected the overhead electric (OHE) power supply and detached the affected B1 coach from the train rake to prevent the fire from spreading further.
Relief and rescue teams from the Kota Railway Division, along with senior railway officials and technical staff, rushed to the site soon after receiving information about the blaze.
The exact cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Delhi-Mumbai Rail Traffic Affected
The incident temporarily disrupted rail movement on the busy Delhi–Mumbai railway corridor. Several trains were halted at nearby stations as safety measures were implemented and restoration work began.
Trains Affected Due to the Incident:
- Train No. 19020 — stopped at Shamgarh
- Train No. 12416 — stopped at Suwasra
- Train No. 05017 — held at Nathu Khedi
- Train No. 12472 Swaraj Express — stopped at Shamgarh
- Train No. 22210 — held at Chaumahla
- Train No. 01492 Pune Special — halted at Modak station
- Train No. 12955 — stopped at Mahidpur Road station
Railway authorities stated that efforts were underway to clear the section and restore normal train operations at the earliest.
Investigation Underway
Senior railway officials have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest the blaze was confined to the B1 coach due to timely emergency response and evacuation efforts.
