Indian Railways Fire Safety and Emergency Response Measures
Indian Railways has implemented comprehensive multi-layered fire safety measures across its coaching stock and stations to prevent and respond to fire incidents. All coaches are equipped with minimum two fire extinguishers, with water mist type fire extinguishers being provided on pantry cars and power cars in a phased manner. Fire Detection & Suppression Systems have been installed in fire-prone areas of Power cars and Pantry cars, while fire and smoke detection systems are provided in coaches as per extant guidelines.
The railway uses fire-retardant materials meeting global norms for seats/berths, panels, flooring, insulation, and toilets in coaches, along with fire-retardant E-beam cables. Electrical circuits feature multiple protection levels including fuses, Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs), and Motor Protection Circuit Breakers (MPCBs) to prevent damage from electrical faults/surges. Aerosol-based fire suppression systems are installed in electrical cabinets, with ongoing material upgrades in Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to new generation materials.
Passenger safety features include emergency windows for evacuation, four Emergency Talk Back Units in every Vande Bharat coach for passenger communication with Train Manager/Loco-pilots, and Passenger Emergency Alarm buttons (four per coach in Vande Bharat trains). The integrated Rail Madad helpline 139 provides quick access to emergency assistance for passengers.
At railway stations, fire safety measures include portable fire extinguishers, fire buckets with sand and water, automatic fire alarms in relay rooms and electronic interlocking rooms at larger stations, and control phones for station masters to immediately disconnect overhead equipment power supply. Stations maintain adequate water storage from coach watering facilities, have well-marked exits, and prohibit flame-based cooking on platforms. Passenger luggage is scanned at larger stations, with regular drives conducted to prevent carriage of inflammable materials.
Training and preparedness form a critical component, with frontline staff including Station Managers, Train Managers, Commercial-cum-Ticket Clerks, Loco Pilots, and Assistant Loco Pilots receiving training in Fire Fighting, First Aid Skills, and Disaster Management. The Indian Railways Institute of Disaster Management (IRIDM) conducts regular courses in Fire Fighting, First Aid, and Trauma management for first responders including train crew and on-board staff. Communication protocols ensure officials can contact nearest fire brigade, police, medical facilities, ambulances, district administration, NDRF, and SDRF.
Emergency response infrastructure includes 177 Accident Relief Trains (ARTs), 100 high capacity 140T Breakdown diesel-hydraulic cranes, and 170 Accident Relief Medical Equipment (ARME) Scale-I units placed at identified locations across the network. Additional ARMEs Scale-II and Portable Medical Kits are provided at identified locations, with ARMEs Scale-I functioning as mobile hospitals equipped with medical equipment, supplies, and personnel. Additional equipment like road vehicles, earthmovers, and ambulances can be requisitioned for accident response.
In case of emergency, Indian Railways' initial focus is on saving lives, attending to the injured, and providing relief to stranded passengers. The system immediately coordinates with local civil administration including district authorities, fire brigade, medical facilities, and police forces. Disaster Management Plans of Zones and Divisions, General and Subsidiary Rules, Accident Manuals, and Operating Manuals contain detailed procedures for emergency situations.
Regular mock drills ensure preparedness, with 71 full-scale mock drills conducted during 2025-26, including four drills in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Bhavnagar Divisions involving all rescue agencies from within Indian Railways as well as external fire brigade, police, district authorities, medical systems, and disaster response forces.