West Central Railway has set up a senior-level inquiry committee to investigate the fire incident reported in Train No. 12431 Thiruvananthapuram Central-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express on 17 May 2026.
In a statement, the Ministry of Railways said the fire occurred in one passenger coach and one LWRRM, or Luggage Brake and Generator Car, between Luni Richha and Vikramgarh Alot stations.
The railway has described the panel as a HAG level inquiry committee.
HAG refers to Higher Administrative Grade, a senior administrative level in the railway hierarchy.
In railway service structures, HAG is placed above Senior Administrative Grade and includes senior officers such as Principal Chief-level officers in zonal railways and senior technical organisations.
The committee has been nominated by the General Manager of West Central Railway.
It includes senior officers from West Central Railway, Integral Coach Factory and Research Designs and Standards Organisation.
The Principal Chief Safety Officer of West Central Railway has been appointed as the convener of the committee.
Other members include the Principal Chief Electrical Engineer of West Central Railway, Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer of West Central Railway, Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer of Integral Coach Factory, Executive Director/PS & EMU of Research Designs and Standards Organisation, and Principal Chief Security Commissioner of West Central Railway.
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The composition indicates that the inquiry will examine the incident from multiple angles, including safety, electrical systems, mechanical aspects, coach design, rolling stock standards and railway security.
According to the statement, the committee has been directed to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe under the provisions of the Accident Manual.
The committee will conduct a detailed examination of the causes of the fire, technical aspects and safety parameters.
The ministry said the objective of the inquiry is to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in future.
The ministry said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of passengers and is taking all necessary measures in this regard.
