Fire Erupts in Delhi-Bound Rajdhani Express Near Kota, Passengers Evacuated Safely

Kota: Panic gripped passengers aboard the Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express after a major fire broke out in one of its AC coaches near Rajasthan’s Kota early Sunday morning. Railway officials confirmed that all passengers were rescued safely and no injuries were reported.

The blaze started in the B-1 air-conditioned coach of the train near Vikramgarh Alot railway station at around 5:15 a.m. The coach reportedly had 68 passengers onboard at the time of the incident.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, train staff, and other railway officials immediately launched an evacuation operation. Passengers were safely moved out of the affected coach within nearly 15 minutes, while nearby coaches were also cleared as a precautionary measure.

Rescue and relief teams from the Kota Railway Division rushed to the spot soon after the incident was reported. Officials later detached the damaged coach from the train and shut down the overhead electric supply (OHE) to avoid any further risk.

“All passengers are safe. No casualties have been reported,” the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Kota Division said in an official statement.

Railway authorities also arranged alternative accommodation for affected passengers in other coaches so they could continue their journey towards Kota and Delhi.

The exact reason behind the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause.

The railways have issued emergency helpline numbers for assistance: Kota Enquiry – 6375898943 and On-site Help – 09256099269.

The 12431 Rajdhani Express had departed from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala on Friday and was scheduled to reach Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station in New Delhi at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The incident comes just days after another train fire on May 15, when two AC coaches of the Hyderabad-Jaipur Special Express caught fire at Nampally Railway Station.

With inputs from IANS