Rajdhani Express Fire: Indian Railways Orders High-Level Probe
HAG Committee Formed to Investigate Causes, Safety Lapses and Technical Aspects Behind Fire Incident in Thiruvananthapuram–Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express
Indian Railways has constituted a High Administrative Grade (HAG) level inquiry committee to investigate the fire incident involving the Thiruvananthapuram Central–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express in Madhya Pradesh. The incident occurred on May 17, 2026, between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations under the West Central Railway zone, where a passenger coach and a Luggage Brake & Generator Car (LWRRM) of Train No. 12431 caught fire.
According to officials, the inquiry committee has been formed by the General Manager of West Central Railway to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The committee comprises senior railway officers from West Central Railway (WCR), Integral Coach Factory (ICF), and the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO).
The Principal Chief Safety Officer of West Central Railway has been appointed as the Convener of the committee. Other key members include the Principal Chief Electrical Engineer (PCEE/WCR), Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer (PCME/WCR), Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer of ICF, Executive Director of Passenger Stock & EMU at RDSO, and the Principal Chief Security Commissioner (PCSC/WCR).
Railway officials stated that the committee has been tasked with examining all technical, operational, and safety-related aspects connected to the fire incident. The probe will focus on identifying the exact cause of the blaze, assessing the condition of the affected coaches, and evaluating whether all prescribed safety standards and maintenance protocols were followed.
As per the provisions laid down in the Railway Accident Manual, the inquiry committee has been directed to complete the investigation within the stipulated timeframe. The findings of the committee are expected to help Indian Railways implement corrective measures and strengthen fire safety systems in trains to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The fire incident in the Rajdhani Express triggered concern among passengers and railway authorities, as Rajdhani trains are considered among the premium long-distance services of Indian Railways. However, prompt action by railway staff helped prevent casualties, and passengers were safely evacuated from the affected coaches.
Officials said the investigation will also examine emergency response procedures, functioning of fire detection systems, electrical equipment, and operational handling during the incident. Experts from ICF and RDSO are expected to provide technical analysis regarding coach design, electrical systems, and fire-resistant materials used in the train.
Indian Railways reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and stated that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure secure rail operations across the network. Authorities added that safety audits and inspections are regularly conducted, and lessons learned from such incidents are incorporated into future operational planning and maintenance practices.
