News
Fire on Mumbai–Delhi Garib Rath Express: Hundreds Evacuated After Locomotive Catches Fire Near Rajasthan
Overview of the Incident
In a chilling close-call, passengers aboard the Mumbai–Delhi Garib Rath Express (Train No. 12216) faced a life-threatening situation during the early hours of July 19, 2025, when the train’s locomotive caught fire near Sendra railway station, located between Beawar and Ajmer in Rajasthan. The quick action by the loco pilot, train crew, and fire officials averted what could have become a deadly railway disaster.
Timeline: How It Unfolded
- Around 3:00 AM, passengers noticed a strong smell of smoke followed by visible flames emerging from the engine compartment.
- The loco pilot immediately applied emergency brakes, bringing the train to a halt near Sendra station.
- Around 500 passengers were onboard; many of them were asleep when the fire broke out.
- The entire train was safely evacuated, and no injuries or casualties were reported.
Passenger Panic & Evacuation
Many passengers woke up to the sound of alarms and burning smell. Panic spread through the coaches as visuals of flames from the front compartment became visible. However, thanks to:
- Calm coordination by the railway crew
- Clear instructions from onboard guards
- Swift response from local fire departments
…everyone was moved to a safe distance.
One passenger, Vinod Yadav, a businessman traveling to Delhi, said: We thought it was the end. We saw fire right in front, but the staff told us to stay calm and exit slowly. They saved us
Cause of Fire – Initial Assessment
Railway authorities suspect a technical fault in the locomotive’s electric circuitry, likely due to overheating or wire short-circuit. The engine had just crossed high-traction terrain and might have experienced stress.
- An inquiry committee has been formed by the North Western Railway Zone to examine:
- Locomotive maintenance records
- Engineer logs from the previous station
- CCTV footage from Sendra junction
Until the official report is out, preliminary inputs suggest the fire started in the traction motor unit.
Emergency Response & Firefighting
- Five fire tenders from Beawar and Ajmer were deployed.
- Firefighters took over 90 minutes to extinguish the flames entirely.
- The engine was decoupled from the rest of the train to prevent the fire from spreading.
Train services on the Ajmer–Marwar–Delhi line were delayed temporarily, but resumed after clearance.
Train Repair and Resumption
- A replacement locomotive was brought from Ajmer.
- The train resumed its journey after a 3-hour delay and reached Delhi without further issues.
- Railways announced full fare refund and delay compensation to passengers.
About the Garib Rath Express
- The Garib Rath Express series was launched by Indian Railways in 2006 to offer affordable AC travel.
- This particular train — 12216 Bandra Terminus–Hazrat Nizamuddin Garib Rath — covers ~1,370 km in under 17 hours.
- Known for its 3AC-only configuration, it caters to middle-class and budget travelers.
Safety Concerns Raised
Following the incident, railway safety activists and passengers raised concerns:
| Issue Raised | Concern |
|---|---|
| 🔌 Old Locomotive | The engine was reportedly 10+ years old. Aging machines are more prone to faults. |
| 🔎 Lack of Early Detection | The engine lacked thermal sensors or smoke detectors that could’ve triggered auto-shutdown. |
| 🚒 Slow Fire Response | It took over an hour for fire trucks to arrive, despite the route being known for express trains. |
| 🧑🏫 Passenger Preparedness | Passengers weren’t familiar with emergency exits or evacuation rules. |
What Indian Railways Must Do Now
- Install Smoke & Heat Detectors in all locomotives and generator cars.
- Mandate emergency drill training for train staff every quarter.
- Retire aging locomotives from long-distance express duties.
- Setup rapid response fire units at critical junctions like Ajmer and Beawar.
- Educate passengers with safety videos and seat-back instructions, like in airlines.
Voices From the Ground
Railway spokesperson (NWR Zone): We are thankful no lives were lost. The inquiry is underway. Preliminary findings point to an electrical issue
Passenger Mahesh Sahu from Mumbai: It’s a miracle. I had just used the restroom near the engine coach 10 minutes earlier. We all survived because the staff acted fast
Final Word
This incident must serve as a wake-up call for Indian Railways. While the crew deserves credit for handling the crisis with composure, the system cannot rely on heroic action alone. Preventive infrastructure, fireproof systems, and routine audits must be a top priority.
Had this incident occurred in a tunnel, on a bridge, or with passengers unable to evacuate in time — the consequences would have been catastrophic.