A major fire incident involving the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express created panic among passengers and disrupted railway services on the important Mumbai–Delhi route early Sunday morning. The blaze reportedly started in the B-1 air-conditioned coach of the premium train while it was passing through Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district.

According to railway officials, the incident took place around 5:15 AM between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha railway stations under the Kota division of Western Railway. Train staff first noticed smoke rising from one of the AC coaches before flames rapidly spread inside the compartment. The train was immediately brought to a halt and emergency safety procedures were activated without delay.

Officials said all passengers travelling in the affected coach were safely evacuated within minutes. Around 68 passengers were shifted to safer coaches and nearby areas as railway staff, security personnel, and rescue teams rushed to control the situation. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as many passengers were asleep when smoke began filling the coach. Some travellers reportedly woke up to loud shouts from railway staff asking them to leave the compartment immediately. Passengers quickly gathered their belongings and moved out while railway officials coordinated rescue operations on the tracks.

The fire later spread to the adjacent luggage-cum-guard coach, increasing concerns among authorities. As a precautionary measure, the overhead electricity supply on the route was temporarily suspended to prevent further danger. Fire brigade teams from nearby areas reached the spot and worked with railway personnel to bring the flames under control.

The damaged coach was later detached from the train to prevent the fire from spreading further. Railway engineers and technical teams also began inspecting the affected section of the track and electrical systems. Initial reports indicate that a possible electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze, though officials have stated that the exact reason will be confirmed only after a detailed investigation.

The incident also caused significant disruption to train operations on the busy Mumbai–Delhi rail corridor. Several trains were delayed or halted as restoration work continued for several hours. Railway authorities said efforts were being made on a priority basis to restore normal movement and repair damaged overhead equipment affected during the fire.

Senior railway officials have ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Authorities are expected to examine the condition of electrical wiring, coach maintenance records, and onboard safety systems as part of the investigation.

Meanwhile, passengers affected by the fire were provided assistance by railway staff. Alternative arrangements were reportedly made to help travellers continue their journey safely toward Delhi. Some passengers, however, claimed that they lost luggage and personal belongings in the blaze.

The incident has once again raised concerns over railway safety and emergency preparedness on long-distance premium trains. Railway authorities have assured passengers that strict action will be taken if any negligence is found during the investigation.

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