Nexus News Alert | Ratlam, May 17, 2026 — Panic gripped passengers on board the Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express after a fire broke out in an air-conditioned coach in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district early Sunday morning. The incident occurred around 5:15 AM in the B-1 coach between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations.
Railway staff acted swiftly and evacuated all 68 passengers from the affected coach within 15 minutes. The fire also damaged the second luggage-cum-guard van (SLR) attached behind the B-1 coach. No casualties were reported.
Quick Response by Railway Staff in Rajdhani Express Fire
West Central Railway officials confirmed that the train had departed from Ratlam Junction around 3:45 AM when the fire was detected. The affected coach was immediately detached, and the overhead electric supply (OHE) was switched off as a safety measure. Fire brigade teams, medical teams, and emergency response personnel were rushed to the spot.
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In a related incident during rescue operations, five railway staff members were injured when a van carrying repair equipment overturned after a cow suddenly came onto the road. One staffer is reported to be critically injured.
Impact on Rail Traffic
The Rajdhani Express Fire disrupted train movement on the busy Mumbai-Delhi route. Around five to six trains were halted at nearby stations as restoration work continued. A relief train and tower wagon were deployed for quick restoration.
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Senior railway officials, including Ratlam Divisional Railway Manager Ajay Kumar Kalara, monitored the operations on the ground. Passengers from the affected coach were accommodated in other coaches and continued their journey to Kota.
Rajdhani Express Fire: What We Know So Far
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Train Number | 12431 (Thiruvananthapuram–Hazrat Nizamuddin) |
| Affected Coach | B-1 (AC Coach) |
| Passengers in Affected Coach | 68 |
| Time of Incident | Around 5:15 AM |
| Location | Between Vikramgarh Alot and Lunirichha stations |
| Evacuation Time | Within 15 minutes |
| Casualties | None reported |
The exact cause of the Rajdhani Express Fire is yet to be determined. A detailed investigation is underway.
Nexus News Alert is monitoring the situation. We will bring you the latest updates on the Rajdhani Express Fire, restoration work, and any further developments related to the incident.
