Minimum two fire extinguishers in every coach, emergency communication systems, trained first responders and 177 Accident Relief Trains form part of the railway safety network

Key Highlights

• Minimum two fire extinguishers provided in every railway coach
• Water-mist fire extinguishers being introduced in pantry and power cars
• Fire and smoke detection systems provided in coaches and fire-prone areas
• Rail Madad 139 provides passengers with emergency assistance
• 177 Accident Relief Trains deployed across the rail network
• 100 high-capacity 140-tonne breakdown cranes available for emergencies
• 170 Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) Scale-I units positioned at identified locations
• 71 full-scale emergency mock drills conducted during 2025-26
• Vande Bharat coaches equipped with emergency talk-back units and passenger alarm buttons

New Delhi, August 5, 2026: Indian Railways has outlined a comprehensive, multi-layered fire safety and emergency response system covering railway stations, passenger coaches, pantry cars and railway infrastructure across the country.

The measures cover fire prevention, detection, suppression, passenger evacuation, emergency communication and post-incident response, with frontline railway staff trained to respond during the critical initial period of an emergency.

The information was provided by Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw in a reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

Every Coach Equipped with Fire Extinguishers

Indian Railways has mandated the provision of a minimum of two fire extinguishers in every coach.

Additional fire safety measures include fire and smoke detection systems, emergency windows for evacuation and the use of fire-retardant materials in seats, berths, panels, flooring, insulation and toilets.

Fire-retardant E-beam cables are also being used in coaches, while electrical circuits incorporate multiple levels of protection through fuses, Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCBs).

Aerosol-based fire suppression systems are also installed in electrical cabinets.

The Railways is progressively upgrading materials in newer trainsets, including Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, in line with evolving safety standards.

Pantry Cars Receive Additional Fire Protection

Given the specific fire risks associated with food preparation areas, fire detection and suppression systems have been installed in fire-prone areas of pantry and power cars.

Water-mist fire extinguishers are also being provided on pantry and power cars in phases.

Flame-based cooking is prohibited in railway coaches, while passengers are repeatedly advised not to carry inflammable materials or explosives and are warned against smoking inside coaches.

Emergency Communication for Passengers

Passenger communication during an emergency is another key part of the safety system.

Vande Bharat coaches are equipped with four Emergency Talk Back Units per coach, allowing passengers to communicate with the Train Manager or loco pilots during an emergency.

Passenger Emergency Alarm Buttons are also provided, with four push buttons available in each Vande Bharat coach.

Passengers can additionally access the integrated Rail Madad helpline on 139 to seek assistance during emergencies.

Fire Safety Measures at Railway Stations

Indian Railways has also implemented fire prevention and response measures at stations.

These include:

• Portable fire extinguishers
• Fire buckets containing sand and water
• Automatic fire alarms in relay and electronic interlocking rooms at larger stations
• Public address systems for emergency evacuation announcements
• Clearly marked exits
• Emergency lighting
• Fire brigade and emergency contact protocols
• Regular electrical safety audits
• Adequate water storage at larger stations
• Passenger luggage scanning at major stations
• Drives to prevent carriage of inflammable materials
• Prohibition of flame-based cooking on platforms

Railway station staff are also trained in firefighting, first aid and disaster management.

Emergency Response Network Includes 177 Relief Trains

Indian Railways has a dedicated emergency response network to manage major incidents.

The system includes 177 Accident Relief Trains (ARTs), 100 high-capacity 140-tonne breakdown diesel-hydraulic cranes and 170 Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) Scale-I units positioned across the railway network.

The ARME Scale-I units function as mobile medical facilities equipped with medical supplies, equipment and personnel for deployment at accident sites.

Additional resources, including ambulances, road vehicles and earthmoving equipment, can also be mobilised when required.

Focus on Saving Lives During Emergencies

According to the Railway Ministry, the first response during an unusual incident, including a fire, is led by trained railway personnel.

The initial priority is saving lives, treating injured passengers and providing assistance to stranded travellers.

Railway authorities coordinate with district administrations, fire services, police, medical facilities and disaster response agencies when a major incident occurs.

Disaster management plans, accident manuals and operating procedures establish the roles and responsibilities of railway personnel and external emergency agencies.

71 Full-Scale Mock Drills Conducted

Indian Railways also conducts regular emergency preparedness exercises to test its response systems.

During 2025-26, 71 full-scale mock drills were conducted by railway divisions, involving railway rescue teams as well as fire services, police, district administrations, medical facilities and disaster response forces.

Four such drills were conducted in the Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Bhavnagar Divisions.

The exercises are designed to identify gaps in emergency response and ensure coordination between multiple agencies before a real incident occurs.

What It Means for Travel, Tourism and Hospitality

Passenger safety is a fundamental component of India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.

Railways remain one of the country’s most important modes of domestic travel, carrying millions of passengers and connecting major tourism destinations with smaller cities and regional centres.

For hotels, tour operators, destination managers and travel companies, stronger railway emergency preparedness contributes to traveller confidence and safer destination access.

The measures are particularly relevant for long-distance and overnight journeys, where effective fire detection, passenger communication and evacuation procedures can be critical.

The focus on pantry car safety is also relevant to the wider railway foodservice ecosystem, where food preparation and catering operations require additional fire-prevention measures.

Improved emergency preparedness can ultimately support the broader objective of making rail travel a safer and more dependable component of India’s domestic tourism network.

Bottom Line: Indian Railways is combining preventive fire-safety measures with trained personnel, passenger communication systems and a nationwide emergency response network. With at least two extinguishers in every coach, Rail Madad 139, 177 Accident Relief Trains and 170 medical relief units, the system is designed to address emergencies while keeping passenger safety at the centre of railway operations.