Indian Railways has launched a high-level probe into the fire incident concerning the Patalkot Express, which occurred in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon. In total, nine passengers sustained injuries. The fire took place near Bhandai station of North Central Railway’s Agra Division. The station is about 10 km from Agra station and the fire broke out when the train left Bhandai for the next station, Jajau.
High level investigation
The North Central Railway (NCR) has formed a four member committee to ascertain the cause behind the incident. Speaking to financialexpress.com, Satish Kumar, General Manager, NCR said, “Senior Administrative Officers (4 Members) which includes Principal Chief Safety Officer will conduct an inquiry.”
How was the fire on the Patalkot Express brought to attention?
At the time of the incident, the train was heading to Seoni in Madhya Pradesh from Firozpur Cantonment in Punjab. The fire took place in the third and fourth coaches from the engine around 15:45 hrs. The train left for its destination at 20:50 hrs after accommodating the passengers of the affected coaches in other coaches.
Train operations affected
Due to the incident, the fire incident on the Agra-Dholpur route was impacted as many trains have been stopped at various stations.
Distance, Travel time, Frequency of Patalkot Express
The Patalkot Express covers a distance of 1492 km in 27:05 hrs. The train operates on all days of the week. The train has four types of seating arrangements for passengers – Sleeper Class, AC 3 Economy, AC 3 Tier, and AC 2 Tier.
Stoppages of Patalkot Express
During its journey between the two destinations, the train stops at 39 stations. These are – Faridkot, Kot Kapura, Gangsar Jaitu. Bhatinda Junction, Maur, Mansa, Budhlada, Bareta, Jakhal Junction, Tohana, Narwana Junction, Uchana, Jind Junction, Rohtak Junction, Bahadurgarh, Nangloi, Shakurbasti, Delhi Safdarjung, Mathura Junction, Agra Cantonment, Gwalior, Dabra, V Lakshmibai JHS, Lalitpur Junction, Bina Junction, Ganj Basoda, Vidisha, Bhopal Junction, Rani Kamalapati, Narmadapuram, Itarsi Junction, Ghoradongri, Betul, Amla Junction, Bordhai, Nawagaon, Junnor Deo, Parasia, Chhindwara Junction, and Chourai railway stations.
