Railways Flags Possible Sabotage in Multiple Train Fire Incidents Across Rajasthan, Bihar, and West Bengal

The Railways has referred to four recent incidents reported from Amarpura and Kota in Rajasthan, Sasaram in Bihar, and Howrah in West Bengal. In the Amarpura case, an attempt was made to set linen, including bedding material, on fire. In the Howrah incident, a petrol-soaked cloth was recovered from the bathroom of a railway coach, raising serious security concerns.

In Kota, flames were observed emerging from the bathroom of a Rajdhani Express train, while in Sasaram, an unidentified individual allegedly threw a burning object into an empty coach. In a related earlier development at Sasaram station, a fire broke out in a Sasaram to Patna passenger train service while it was stationed at platform six. Initial assessments had suggested a short circuit as the cause before further scrutiny raised broader concerns.

The Railways has urged passengers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately through the Railway Helpline number 139. Authorities have emphasized that each of these incidents is being treated with utmost seriousness and is under detailed investigation by the Railway Protection Force.

The advisory comes in the backdrop of a major fire incident involving a Delhi-bound Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam district. The fire broke out around 5:15 a.m. in the B-1 coach carrying 68 passengers between Vikramgarh Alot and Luni Richha stations. Thick plumes of black smoke were seen rising from the affected coach, and the fire also spread to nearby trees along the railway tracks.

Although no injuries were reported in the Ratlam incident, the fire caused significant disruption to railway operations on the route. At least 18 trains were affected, with several services delayed or halted at different stations following the emergency response and track clearance operations.

Indian Railways has reiterated that passenger safety remains a top priority as investigations continue into all reported incidents, with heightened security vigilance being maintained across affected routes.