Panic rose among passengers of the Sikandrabad-Agartala Express as they deboarded the train at Berhampur railway station on Tuesday, following the detection of smoke emanating from an AC coach, sources said.
The incident came in the wake of the recent Balasore train tragedy, which has left the nation on edge.
Sources quoting eyewitness said, the smoke originated from the electric installations within the B5 AC coach. Alarmed by the situation, passengers wasted no time in evacuating the train and demanded an immediate change of the coach. As a result, the train has been stranded at the Berhampur station pending resolution of the issue.
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has issued a statement regarding the incident, explaining that it was a minor electrical issue that occurred in Coach No. B-5 of Train No. 07030 Secunderabad-Agartala Express near Berhampur station. The railway’s on-duty staff promptly responded to the situation, providing immediate attention and rectifying the problem.
Passenger safety has become a pressing concern in the aftermath of the tragic Balasore train accident, which claimed the lives of at least 278 individuals and left over 1,100 others injured. The accident occurred near the Bahanaga Bazar railway station and involved the Chennai-bound Coromandel Express, the Howrah-bound SMVP-Howrah Superfast Express, and a goods train.
Railway authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers. Regular inspections, maintenance checks, and staff training programs are being conducted to minimize the risk of such incidents in the future. The ECoR has urged passengers to remain vigilant and report any concerns immediately to the onboard staff or railway officials.
As investigations into both the Balasore train tragedy and the recent smoke incident continue, authorities are striving to enhance safety measures and implement necessary changes to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Passengers are advised to stay informed about safety procedures and be prepared to act promptly in the event of any unforeseen circumstances during their train journeys.
The Ministry of Railways has emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, assuring the public that all necessary steps will be taken to ensure the smooth and secure operation of train services across the country. Efforts are underway to address existing infrastructure challenges, strengthen safety protocols, and provide better training to railway staff to safeguard the lives of millions of passengers who rely on the rail network every day.
In this time of distress, the railway authorities seek the cooperation of passengers and the general public to maintain calm, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious or potentially hazardous situations promptly to the relevant authorities.
