On 6th November (Friday), a fire erupted in four coaches of the Amritsar-to-New Jalpaiguri Karmabhumi Express near Sarai Banjara station in Punjab’s Ambala division. However, the incident was prevented from becoming a major disaster, and officials stated that there had been no reported injuries or casualties.
Near Sarai Banjara station, the unreserved train’s automated safety system was activated, bringing it to a safe halt and enabling passengers to flee. Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northern Railway, conveyed that top officials and firefighters arrived on the spot almost immediately, containing the fire and protecting the area.
According to other reports, a short circuit is believed to be the source of the fire, but the exact cause has not yet been ascertained by the railway authorities. To examine mechanical systems, electrical lines, or possible outside influences, a full technical investigation will be carried out. The fire was detected in the fifth coach from the engine of Train No. 12508 Karmabhoomi Express. The occurrence took place close to the Basantpura railway station, which is around fifteen kilometres from Rajpura.
BIG NEWS – Fire breaks out in 4 coaches of Karmabhumi Express in the Ambala division. Hundreds of passengers evacuated. The train runs between Amritsar and New Jalpaiguri. No casualties reported. https://t.co/hx188lsHsZ
— News Algebra (@NewsAlgebraIND) November 6, 2026
Northern Railway has prioritised passenger relief and logistics. It established an emergency transfer strategy to prevent passengers from becoming stranded on the lines. A replacement train was also sent to New Jalpaiguri or intermediate stations to assist them.
“This is currently a matter of inquiry. We will have to look into the cause. Our primary concern right now is ensuring that the passengers reach their destinations safely. To that end, we have arranged an alternative train. We have requested the passengers to proceed to a nearby station, about 500 metres away, from where we will ensure they are transported safely to their homes. We have received no information regarding any casualties. Three coaches caught fire; a fourth one was also slightly affected. This train was travelling from Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri; it was an unreserved train. Our main focus right now is ensuring that the passengers reach home safely, and we have made alternative arrangements for that,” stated Yashanjit Singh, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM), Ambala Division.
#WATCH | Rajpura, Punjab: Fire breaks out in 4 coaches of Karmabhumi Express in the Ambala division; no casualties reported Northern Railway CPRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay stated that the train stopped safely after its safety system was triggered near Sarai Banjara station. The fire is being brought under control; senior officials are on-site, and no injuries have been reported.
— ANI (@ANI) November 6, 2026
A significant long-distance route through North and East India is covered by the Karmabhumi Express, which runs from Punjab’s Amritsar to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
