Railways ramps up fire safety with new systems, training and drills, says Vaishnaw
Indian Railways has stepped up fire prevention and emergency response measures across stations and trains, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
Replying to a question, the Minister said the Railways is following a multi-layered strategy covering train design, maintenance, operations and emergency preparedness.
At stations, safety equipment now includes portable fire extinguishers, fire buckets, and automatic fire alarms in relay and electronic interlocking rooms at major terminals. Public address systems are in place for emergency evacuations, and station masters have the authority to cut overhead power supply in case of fire.
Passenger awareness campaigns are also being run. Announcements warn against carrying inflammable items, baggage screening is done at major stations, and periodic drives target hazardous material. Electrical installations are checked regularly to prevent short circuits. Emergency exits are clearly marked and flame-based cooking has been banned on platforms.
Staff training has been scaled up. Station managers, loco pilots, guards and ticket clerks are trained in firefighting, first aid and disaster management. The Indian Railways Institute of Disaster Management runs specialised courses for onboard staff such as TTEs, AC coach attendants and escort personnel, with focus on response during the critical “golden hour”.
On trains, every coach carries at least two fire extinguishers. Fire detection and suppression systems have been fitted in pantry cars, power cars and other vulnerable areas. Seats, berths, flooring, insulation and cables now use fire-retardant materials. Aerosol-based suppression systems have been installed in electrical cabinets.
Newer trains are being built to higher standards. Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper services will use materials that meet global fire safety norms. Each Vande Bharat coach has four Emergency Talk Back Units and four Passenger Emergency Alarm Buttons, allowing direct contact with the train manager or loco pilot. Fire safety notices are displayed in all coaches, and passengers can call the Rail Madad helpline 139 for help.
For large-scale emergencies, Indian Railways has 177 Accident Relief Trains, 100 high-capacity breakdown cranes and 170 Accident Relief Medical Equipment Scale-I units deployed across the network. Additional ambulances, medical equipment and earthmoving machinery are mobilised as required. Rescue operations are coordinated with district administrations, fire services, police and disaster response agencies.
To test readiness, the Railways conducts regular mock drills with staff and external agencies. In 2025-26 so far, 71 full-scale drills have been held, including in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar divisions, the Minister said.