Passengers aboard the Mumbai–Delhi Garib Rath Express experienced a jolt late Friday night when the train’s engine ignited near Sendra station in the Beawar region of Rajasthan. The event caused considerable alarm, but thankfully, there were no reported injuries.

Railway officials stated that the fire erupted on train no. 12216 — the Garib Rath Express — as it neared Sendra railway station, roughly 60 km from Ajmer. Both passengers and crew detected smoke coming from the engine’s wheels, leading to an emergency stop.

“In a matter of moments, flames burst forth from within the engine,” remarked a railway official acquainted with the situation. “The control room was promptly notified, and response teams were dispatched without hesitation.”

The incident was quickly managed by staff from the Ajmer railway division. Senior officials, including additional divisional railway manager (ADRM) Vikas Bura and senior divisional security officer Swati Jain, arrived on-site to supervise the response. At least five fire tenders were sent, and it took nearly an hour and a half to completely extinguish the fire.

Authorities confirmed that the blaze was confined to the locomotive and did not extend to any of the passenger coaches. Despite the incident, all 18 coaches carrying hundreds of passengers remained unharmed.

A replacement engine was sent from Ajmer to ensure the journey could continue. The damaged locomotive was removed, and the new engine was attached to the stationary rake. The train resumed its journey towards Ajmer at approximately 6:00 am on Saturday, following a delay of nearly three hours.

Shashi Kiran, the chief public relations officer (CPRO) of North Western Railway, announced that a formal investigation had been initiated. “A high-level inquiry committee has been established to determine the precise cause of the fire,” he stated. “The reason will only be revealed after the investigation is complete.”