Key Highlights
- Incident Date:November 6, 2026, during the afternoon.
- Location:Near Sarai Banjara railway station, Rajpura, Punjab.
- Passenger Safety:All passengers evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
PATIALA, PUNJAB — A terrifying incident unfolded on Friday afternoon, November 6, 2026, when a major fire broke out in the general coaches of the 12508 Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara railway station, close to Rajpura in Punjab's Patiala district. The long-distance train, carrying hundreds of passengers on its route from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri, was thrown into chaos as dense smoke and flames quickly spread across multiple bogies.
The blaze started around 1:00 PM shortly after the train departed Sadhu Garh railway station. Passengers reported sudden sparks inside the general compartment, followed by heavy smoke filling the coaches. Panic ensued as travelers scrambled to evacuate while the train came to a halt following the activation of its automated safety system. Thanks to the rapid alert and immediate halting of the train, all passengers were safely evacuated, and railway officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported.
Emergency teams, local fire tenders from Rajpura and Patiala, and railway division rescue crews swiftly arrived at the scene to battle the inferno. Firefighters fought the flames to prevent the fire from spreading to the rest of the train. While emergency workers successfully contained the blaze, three coaches suffered severe structural damage, with a fourth coach partially impacted by the fire.
Northern Railway officials, along with local district administration and Government Railway Police (GRP), have initiated a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. Preliminary assessments suggest a potential electrical short circuit or an issue originating near the coach equipment. Alternative arrangements were promptly coordinated by Northern Railway authorities to facilitate the onward journey of the stranded passengers while clearance operations continued along the main rail corridor.
Following the containment of the fire, senior railway safety inspectors were dispatched to the site to conduct a comprehensive technical audit of the damaged rolling stock. Northern Railway has announced a review of electrical maintenance protocols for long-distance coaches operating across the region, while heavy cranes and track clearing teams worked through the evening to detach the damaged carriages and restore normal train traffic along the busy Ambala-Ludhiana rail trunk line.
The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols in long-distance train operations, prompting calls for a thorough review of existing safety measures to prevent future occurrences. Passengers expressed their gratitude for the swift response of the railway authorities and emergency services, highlighting the importance of preparedness in such emergencies.
As investigations continue, the railway authorities are expected to release further updates regarding the findings of the inquiry and any subsequent actions taken to enhance passenger safety on trains across the network.
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