Delhi Division of Northern Railway Begins 15-Day Train Pantry Car Fire Safety Drive
The Delhi Division of Northern Railway has initiated a special 15-day fire safety inspection drive across train pantry cars following recent train fires in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. The joint drive, ordered by the Railway Board, began on June 3, 2026, and will run through June 17, 2026, to strengthen safety compliance in pantry cars operating across the network.
According to an official communication issued by the Delhi Division, a divisional commercial manager sent a letter to senior officers on June 3 detailing the inspections. The drive is being conducted jointly with the mechanical and electrical engineering departments.
Under the directive, all sectional chief commercial inspectors, chief ticket inspectors, line staff, and station staff have been instructed to conduct regular checks inside the trains. These teams must submit daily reports in a prescribed format to monitor compliance and identify deficiencies for corrective action.
The safety drive was prompted by two consecutive train fire incidents in May. On May 17, 2026, an AC coach of the Rajdhani Express caught fire while passing through the Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh, leaving the coach charred. The next day, on May 18, 2026, a coach of the Sasaram-Patna passenger train caught fire at the Sasaram station in Bihar. No casualties were reported in the Bihar incident.
Officials stated that the 15-day exercise is specifically designed to address safety compliance in pantry cars, which utilize various electrical equipment and cooking arrangements during train operations. The inspections will focus on fire-safety measures, maintenance standards, and strict adherence to prescribed norms in pantry car operations.
To support the initiative, senior officers from the electrical and mechanical departments have been instructed to depute dedicated staff to assist with the inspections until June 17.
In addition to the temporary safety drive, the Railway Board has decided to adopt high-tech, modern wiring systems in all train coaches to prevent future fire-related incidents. The board has also directed regular inspections and efforts to increase awareness among railway staff regarding fire hazards and emergency response protocols.
