Ratlam: A fire broke out in the B-1 coach of the Trivandrum-Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on Sunday morning while the train was passing through Madhya Pradesh. The incident took place between Alot and Lunirichha stations in the Ratlam division.

The train, numbered 12431, was travelling from Thiruvananthapuram to New Delhi when the fire was detected. Railway officials said the blaze was brought under control in time and no casualties were reported.

According to railway sources, there were 68 passengers in the affected coach, all of whom were safely evacuated before the flames spread further. However, the coach was completely gutted in the fire.

Railway Teams Rush to Spot, High-Level Probe Ordered

Officials said the Ratlam control room received an alert from the Kota control room at around 5:20 a.m. after smoke and flames were noticed in the coach. Railway personnel and fire brigade teams immediately rushed to the spot and managed to contain the fire.

An Accident Relief Train (ART) and Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) team were dispatched from Ratlam soon after the incident was reported. A tower wagon was also sent to assist restoration work on the route.

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Ratlam has reached the site to monitor the situation and oversee rescue and restoration operations.

Short Circuit Suspected as Preliminary Cause

Senior DCM Saurabh Jain said the exact reason behind the fire is yet to be determined, though a short circuit is suspected in the initial assessment.

“The exact cause of the fire will be known only after the investigation is completed,” the official said, adding that a high-level inquiry has been ordered by the Railways.

Authorities are also assessing the damage caused to luggage and other material stored in the affected coach. According to officials, the train guard was the first to notice the fire and informed authorities, following which emergency brakes were applied to stop the train.

Train Services Affected, Passengers Provided Assistance

Railway operations on the route were temporarily affected following the incident. The Mumbai Central Jaipur Superfast Express was halted at Mahidpur Road station due to disruption on the tracks.

Railway officials said efforts are underway to restore normal movement of trains at the earliest.

Passengers from the damaged B-1 coach were shifted to other coaches, and breakfast arrangements were made for them by the railway administration. Officials said an additional coach would be attached from Kota to accommodate the affected passengers for the remainder of their journey.