The train, numbered 12508, was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri when the incident occurred near Rajpura. Railway officials and emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the spot after receiving information about the fire. The train was stopped promptly, and firefighting operations were initiated.
According to preliminary information, the fire was first reported around the fifth coach from the engine. It subsequently spread to four coaches, while dense smoke emerging from the compartments created panic among passengers. Several people hurriedly got off the train, with some leaving their luggage behind as they attempted to escape. A large plume of smoke was also visible in the surrounding area.
Initial reports raised concerns that some passengers might have sustained injuries. However, railway officials did not confirm any injuries or casualties following the incident.
Northern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said the train's safety system was activated near Sarai Banjara station, allowing the train to stop safely. According to officials, efforts were underway to bring the fire under control, while senior railway officials were present at the site.
Ambala Railway Division PRO Neeraj also confirmed the incident and said Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Vinod Kumar Bhatia had reached the spot. Railway teams were working to bring the situation under control.
A short circuit is suspected to have triggered the fire, according to preliminary information. However, the Railways has not officially confirmed the cause. An investigation will establish what led to the fire and which coach was initially affected.
Following the incident, railway officials reached the site and began supervising rescue and relief operations. The immediate priority remains bringing the fire completely under control and ensuring passenger safety. The exact cause of the fire and further details of the incident are expected to become clear after the investigation.
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