Fire on Rajdhani Express Near Ratlam: Passengers Safely Evacuated After AC Coach Blaze

Rajdhani Express Fire Near Ratlam: Passengers Safely Evacuated After AC Coach Blaze

Bhopal: The Rajdhani Express fire near Ratlam created panic among passengers early Sunday morning after an AC coach of the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express caught fire in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district. Railway officials confirmed that all passengers were evacuated safely and no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.

The fire broke out around 5:15 am in the Kota division of the Indian Railways. According to railway authorities, the blaze started in the B-1 AC coach of the premium Rajdhani Express while the train was passing through Ratlam district in Madhya Pradesh.

Officials said the coach was carrying nearly 68 passengers at the time of the incident. As soon as smoke and flames were noticed, emergency protocols were activated immediately. Railway staff and emergency response teams rushed to the spot to control the situation and ensure passenger safety.

Senior railway commercial manager Sourabh Jain stated that the affected coach was detached from the train to stop the fire from spreading to nearby compartments. The overhead electric supply (OHE) was also switched off as a precautionary measure during rescue and firefighting operations.

The Rajdhani Express fire near Ratlam caused temporary disruption on the railway route, but authorities acted quickly to minimize the impact on passengers. Visuals from the scene showed massive flames and thick black smoke rising from the coach, creating a tense atmosphere near the railway track.

Kota railway PRO Ravindera Lakhara confirmed that all passengers from the affected coach were safely deboarded from the train. He added that no injuries were reported during the evacuation process.

Railway officials also arranged alternate seating and accommodation for passengers in other coaches so the journey could continue without major delays. Authorities said an additional coach would be attached at Kota station to restore the train’s full passenger capacity.

The exact reason behind the Rajdhani Express fire near Ratlam is still unknown. Railway officials have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Technical experts and railway safety teams are examining the damaged coach to identify whether the fire was caused by an electrical fault, technical malfunction, or any other issue.

The Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express is considered one of the most important long-distance premium trains in India, connecting Kerala with the national capital, New Delhi. Due to its importance and daily passenger traffic, the incident quickly drew attention on social media and among railway passengers across the country.

Incidents involving train fires remain a major safety concern for Indian Railways, although officials say safety systems and emergency response mechanisms have improved significantly over the years. The quick evacuation during the Rajdhani Express fire near Ratlam helped prevent a major tragedy.

Railway authorities have assured passengers that a detailed investigation report will be prepared and necessary action will be taken after determining the exact cause of the fire.