In a shocking incident that has raised concerns about railway safety, a fire erupted in one of the coaches of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express on Thursday morning. The incident occurred near Jalandhar Cantt railway station in Punjab, leading to the immediate evacuation of passengers. While no casualties were reported, the event has sparked renewed debates about the safety measures and emergency preparedness of Indian Railways.
What Happened?
According to railway officials, the fire started in the B5 coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express around 7:30 AM. Eyewitnesses described thick smoke engulfing the coach, causing panic among passengers. The train, traveling from Amritsar to Saharsa, was halted near Jalandhar Cantt station, and passengers were swiftly evacuated.
Passengers recounted chaotic scenes as they rushed to exit the burning coach. “We heard shouts of ‘fire!’ and saw smoke filling the compartment. Everyone was trying to get out as quickly as possible,” said Ramesh Kumar, a passenger. Fortunately, the fire was confined to the B5 coach, and no injuries were reported.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Railway staff and local authorities acted quickly to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers, with additional support from the local fire brigade. The affected coach was detached, and the remaining coaches were inspected before continuing the journey. A team of railway engineers and safety personnel has been assigned to investigate the cause of the fire.
Preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit as the possible cause, though sabotage or negligence have not been ruled out. A detailed investigation is ongoing to determine the exact cause and prevent future incidents.
Passenger Safety Concerns
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety standards of Indian Railways, particularly for trains like the Garib Rath Express, which serves thousands of travelers daily. Passengers and advocacy groups are calling for regular safety audits, upgraded firefighting equipment, and better emergency training for staff.
“This could have been a major disaster. We need to ensure such incidents are avoided in the future,” said Anjali Singh, a passenger rights activist.
Railway Ministry’s Assurance
The Ministry of Railways has assured the public that all necessary steps will be taken to enhance safety. “We are committed to passenger safety. A thorough investigation is underway, and corrective measures will be implemented,” said a ministry spokesperson.
The ministry also announced plans to accelerate the installation of advanced fire detection and suppression systems, especially on high-density routes. Passengers are encouraged to report any safety concerns to railway authorities.
A Wake-Up Call for Indian Railways
The fire on the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Indian Railways. While the network has seen modernization efforts, this incident underscores the need for continued improvements in safety and infrastructure.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders await concrete actions to ensure the safety of millions of daily commuters.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
