Rajdhani Express Fire: Travelers Demand Accountability from Railways

A fire incident aboard the Thiruvananthapuram-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express has triggered widespread anger among passengers who claim they were left to fend for themselves during the crisis. The blaze broke out near Kota, and according to eyewitnesses, the lack of a working fire alarm and delayed response left many with no choice but to jump out of the moving train. Passengers reported losing years of hard work, as important papers, cash, and personal belongings were reduced to ashes. One female traveler shared how she had packed everything she owned for the journey from Goa to Haryana, only to see it all go up in flames. Another passenger from Surat heading to Delhi described watching helplessly as the entire coach burned for over three hours before fire tenders arrived, and even then, the fire brigade vehicle reportedly had no water. Villagers eventually came to their rescue. Railway authorities have provided immediate financial assistance and arranged for food and onward travel, but several passengers refused to continue their journey until an FIR was lodged. The incident highlights the urgent need for better safety measures and quicker emergency protocols on long-distance trains.