Chugging to a Halt: Engine Smoke Stalls Jaipur-Jodhpur Run

Travelers in the Jaipur-Jodhpur Intercity Express were in for a harrowing morning when smoke started pouring out of the train's engine just before Gotan station in Rajasthan. The situation, which took place at around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, created panic among commuters, emergency response from railway officials, and a brief suspension of train operations along the route. Thankfully, there were no reported injuries, and early intervention prevented a serious accident.

 

Key Points

 

Incident Details

At about 9:30 a.m., the fire and smoke were seen emanating from the engine of the Jaipur-Jodhpur Intercity Express, at around 2–4 km short of Gotan station in Nagaur district.

 

The train had left Jaipur on time at 6:00 a.m. and was traveling towards Jodhpur.

 

Immediate Response

The loco pilot used emergency brakes and brought the train to a standstill, averting any instant risk to passengers.

 

Several passengers, in fear of the smoke, got off the train in panic.

 

Railway personnel acted quickly, fighting the fire in the engine using fire extinguishers.

 

Technical staff were rushed to the scene, and senior railway officers watched the situation carefully.

 

Restoration and Delays

A new engine was transported from Jodhpur and reached Gotan at about noon.

 

The stranded train was drawn back to Jogi Magra station, and it continued on its way to Jodhpur at 12:15 p.m.

 

The train was stopped for almost an hour, and many other trains on the route had temporary holdups.

 

Investigation and Official Statements

The chief public relations officer of North Western Railway, Capt Shashi Kiran, said that the smoke was because of some parts of the engine overheating.

 

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) directed a comprehensive inquiry to establish if maintenance problems or technical defects were behind it.

 

A special inquiry team has been constituted to examine the incident.

 

Passenger Safety and Consequences

There were no injuries or fatalities reported amongst the passengers and crew.

 

The situation was under control, and the train continued its journey once the engine was replaced.

 

Sources: The Print, The Hans India, Navbharat Times, Madhyamam Online, Mangalorean, Bhaskar Live