Context:
A fire incident in the Tatanagar–Ernakulam Express near Yelamanchili station in Andhra Pradesh has reignited concerns over fire safety in air-conditioned (AC) coaches, even as Indian Railways’ overall accident record shows significant improvement over the past decade. The editorial underscores the need to strengthen preventive and detection mechanisms in passenger trains.
Key Highlights:
Incident Details & Immediate Response
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Fire broke out at around 12:40 a.m. in two AC coaches of the train.
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A passenger detected the fire and alerted the crew using the emergency chain.
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The train was moved to a loop line with a platform, enabling safe evacuation.
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Firefighting agencies and railway staff responded swiftly; only one casualty was reported.
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Fire took nearly two hours to be fully extinguished; two AC coaches were severely damaged.
Railway Safety Trends
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Total railway accidents (2024–25) are down by over 70% compared to a decade ago.
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Despite improvements, fires still account for 10–20% of railway accidents annually.
Causes & Vulnerabilities
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Common causes include rolling stock defects, human/operational errors, and carriage of inflammable materials by passengers.
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The exact cause of the current fire is under investigation.
Safety Infrastructure & Gaps
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Around 20,000 AC coaches are fitted with fire and smoke detection systems (Annual Report & Accounts 2023–24).
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All passenger coaches are equipped with fire extinguishers.
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Editorial suggests exploring fixed fire extinguishing systems capable of automatic activation, including for electrical fires, in AC coaches.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Persistent fire risks in railway coaches despite declining accident rates.
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Causes:
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Rolling stock failures
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Electrical short circuits
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Passenger negligence
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Government Initiatives:
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Installation of fire and smoke detection systems in AC coaches
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Mandatory fire extinguishers in passenger coaches
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Benefits:
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Faster detection and response
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Reduced casualties and property damage
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Challenges:
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Retrofitting older coaches
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Ensuring system maintenance and staff training
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Impact:
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Highlights need for technology-driven safety upgrades
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Definitions:
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Rolling Stock: Railway vehicles including locomotives and passenger coaches.
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Emergency Chain: Passenger-operated safety mechanism to alert train crew.
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Disaster Management Perspective:
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Importance of early detection, evacuation protocols, and inter-agency coordination.
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Science & Technology Angle:
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Role of automatic fire suppression systems and sensor-based detection.
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Policy & Governance Issues:
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Balancing cost constraints with passenger safety.
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Way Forward:
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Universal coverage of fire and smoke detection systems in AC coaches
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Adoption of fixed fire extinguishing systems
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Regular safety audits and passenger awareness campaigns
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Strengthening investigation mechanisms for systemic learning
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 3: Disaster Management, Infrastructure Safety
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GS 3: Science & Technology – Safety Systems
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Prelims: Railway safety mechanisms