Fire Breaks Out in 4 Coaches of Karmabhumi Express in Punjab, No Casualties Reported

A fire broke out in four coaches of the Amritsar–New Jalpaiguri Karmabhumi Express near Sarai Banjara station in Punjab's Ambala division on Friday, prompting the evacuation of passengers. Railway officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries had been reported.

The train, an unreserved service, came to a halt after its automated safety system was triggered. Passengers were evacuated as fire tenders and senior railway officials rushed to the spot. The blaze was subsequently brought under control.

According to railway officials, three coaches suffered extensive fire damage, while a fourth was partially affected. The cause of the incident remains unknown.

PASSENGERS SHIFTED TO ALTERNATIVE TRAIN

The immediate priority for railway authorities was to ensure that passengers could continue their journey without being stranded near the tracks.

Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of the Ambala Division, said passengers were asked to walk approximately 500 metres to a nearby station, where an alternative train had been arranged.

“This is currently a matter of inquiry. We will have to look into the cause. Our primary concern right now is ensuring that the passengers reach their destinations safely,” Singh told reporters.

He said the railway authorities had received no information about casualties and reiterated that arrangements were being made to transport passengers to their destinations.

RAILWAYS ORDER TECHNICAL INQUIRY

Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said fire tenders and senior officials had reached the site soon after the incident and brought the situation under control.

Railway authorities have ordered a formal inquiry to establish how the fire started. The investigation will examine possible causes, including electrical faults, mechanical failures and external factors.

Officials said the extent of damage to the coaches and the disruption to train operations would be assessed as part of the investigation.

A LONG-DISTANCE UNRESERVED SERVICE

The Karmabhumi Express connects Amritsar in Punjab with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, covering a long-distance route across northern and eastern India.

As an unreserved service, the train carries passengers without assigned seats. Railway authorities' immediate focus remained on evacuating passengers, accounting for them and arranging onward transportation.

With inputs from ANI