Indian Railways has initiated a series of investigations into recent train fire incidents, amid concerns that the blazes may involve deliberate sabotage. Officials have shifted away from the earlier line of inquiry that focused on accidental technical failures. Instead, suspicion is now centred on the possibility of criminal elements attempting to disrupt railway operations. Preliminary probes indicate that multiple fires reported across different states may have been started intentionally, prompting enhanced security measures across the network.

Incidents reported in recent days

A string of incidents has been reported within a short span. On a Sunday at 5:15 am, the Rajdhani Express running from Thiruvananthapuram to Delhi caught fire near Kota. The fire reportedly began in a passenger coach before spreading to the luggage and generator cars. Investigators believe the origin of the blaze was inside the train’s bathroom.

On the following Monday, a coach of the Sasaram–Patna Passenger train was completely gutted by fire at Sasaram station. The coach was empty and disconnected from any power supply, leaving officials with no apparent accidental cause.

In another incident near Amarapura station, an individual reportedly attempted to set fire to a pile of train linen. Separately, in Howrah, officials discovered a petrol-soaked cloth in a bathroom where a fire had already broken out.

Safety checks and ongoing probe

Safety experts and railway engineers are examining the sequence of events, with a focus on technical safety parameters and the manner in which the fires spread. While no casualties have been reported in these incidents due to prompt response by railway staff, officials said precautionary measures are being strengthened.

Passengers have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity via the national railway helpline 139 as investigations continue.