Delhi–Amritsar Garib Rath Train Fire: It was an extremely shocking morning when train number 12204, the Amritsar-Saharsa Garib Rath Express, caught fire around 5:00 a.m. near Sirhind Junction in Punjab. Passengers were in a state of panic when fire broke out in one of the air-conditioned compartments of the train, and scenes of thick smoke billowing through the train were confirmed by the Ministry of Railways. Fortunately, there were no deaths or injuries reported.

Quick Actions Averse Major Tragedy

From disclosure, the fire occurred during routing observance of the train from Amritsar to Saharsa, the most popular long-distance train passengers used to travel to the northern states in India. Very much alert train personnel noticed immediately when smoke began and stopped the train at Sirhind Junction. Minutes later, all passengers were evacuated from the train in a state of confusion.

Firefighting teams and railway staff raced to the scene and extinguished the fire before it spread to the adjoining compartments. Their well-timed action, therefore, averted a catastrophically large disaster. The damaged carriage was detached, and the rest of the train was moved to a secure line for continued operation after such clearance was obtained.

Cause Under Investigation

The localized fire is suspected to have been ignited through electrical short-circuiting or equipment overheating. Nevertheless, it cannot be concretely asserted just yet, as the authorities have not yet confirmed either way. The Railway Ministry has set in motion a thorough inquiry into the Garib Rath safety system to avert similar occurrences down the line.

Railway Ministry Statement 

The “release” made official by the Ministry of Railways first acknowledged the prompt measures taken by the company train crew and the fire brigades. It went on to assure stringent checks on passenger safety on Garib Rath trains, as well as maintenance inspections to this end.

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This disastrous incident at Sirhind Junction serves as a reminder to all the staff about the importance of alertness and readiness for emergency situations within railway operations. Prompt action and coordination of the passengers with the officials in the railways assured that what could have been a tragedy ended in safety.

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