Answer

Introduction

The recent fire aboard the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express, where an AC coach was gutted near Yelamanchili, serves as a stark reminder of the persistent fire vulnerabilities in Indian Railways. Despite a 70% decline in overall accidents since 2014, fire incidents remain a critical challenge, accounting for nearly 10–20% of annual mishaps.

Body

Causes of Train Fire Accidents in India

• Electrical Vulnerabilities: Overloading of circuits and loose wiring in older AC coaches frequently lead to short circuits, especially during high-demand night hours. 
• Passenger Negligence: Carrying prohibited inflammable materials like gas cylinders or smoking inside coaches remains a significant human-induced hazard.
  Eg: The Bangalore-Nanded Express tragedy was attributed to passenger negligence and unattended electronic charging.
• Pantry Hazards: Improper handling of LPG cylinders or oil leakage in pantry cars creates high-risk zones that can engulf adjacent coaches.
  Eg: Strict guidelines were issued to Zonal Railways following frequent pantry car fire reports.
• Rolling Stock Defects: Overheating of wheels due to brake binding or friction can ignite under-slung equipment or coach flooring.
  

Measures to Improve Prevention and Response

• Automatic Suppression: Transitioning from manual extinguishers to fixed automatic fire-suppression systems that activate upon smoke detection to douse flames instantly.
• Advanced Detection: Accelerating the rollout of AI-based “Fire and Smoke Detection Systems” to the entire fleet rather than just premium trains.
  Eg: Over 20,000 AC coaches were fitted with these systems by late 2024 to ensure early warnings.
• Material Upgradation: Utilizing Fire Retardant (FR) furnishing materials for seats, curtains, and flooring to reduce the rate of fire spread.
  Eg: All new LHB coaches are being manufactured using international-standard fire-retardant specifications.
• Staff Training: Conducting mandatory, periodic mock drills for onboard staff like TTEs and bed-roll attendants to ensure rapid evacuation at night. 

Conclusion

While Indian Railways has modernized its tracks and signalling, fire safety requires a “risk-anticipatory” culture rather than a reactive one. By adopting a “no cost is too high” approach for automatic suppression technologies and enforcing strict anti-inflammable luggage rules, the Railways can ensure that “zero-accident” goals extend to fire-related fatalities.

DOWNLOAD PDF