The Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express turned chaotic when passengers mistook mist from a fire extinguisher for smoke, halting the train near Dindigul at 8:50 a.m. The incident, triggered by a curious passenger tampering with an aerosol fire extinguisher in a restroom, underscores both the advanced safety features of India’s premium trains and the challenges of ensuring commuter awareness in sustainable transport systems.
The train, a flagship of Indian Railways’ push for eco-friendly mobility, was stopped between Thamaraipadi and Vadamadurai stations after passengers pulled the emergency chain. The aerosol fire extinguisher, designed to activate automatically in high heat, released a white mist when its pin was inadvertently removed, alarming commuters like Baskaran, a Tirunelveli resident, who reported mild suffocation. The onboard staff swiftly cleared the mist, allowing the train to resume its journey within 25 minutes, ensuring no injuries.
Vande Bharat trains, equipped with over 10 sensors per coach, including in lavatories, exemplify India’s commitment to green, safe rail travel. These sensors detect smoke and overheating, aligning with net-zero goals by preventing fire-related emissions. However, this incident highlights a gap in passenger education about such systems. Indian Railways has invested ₹2.52 lakh crore in modernising its network, including safety upgrades that have reduced derailments by 80% since 2014, yet human error remains a challenge.
Commuters expressed mixed emotions. For daily travellers like Priya, a Chennai-based teacher, the incident was a stark reminder of the need for clear safety protocols. Social media buzzed with posts from passengers praising the crew’s quick response but urging better signage to prevent such mishaps. Similar incidents, like a 2024 false alarm on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Vande Bharat due to a cleaning staff error, suggest a recurring issue with extinguisher activation.
The Dindigul stoppage, though brief, disrupted schedules, impacting urban commuters relying on Vande Bharat’s efficiency. With India aiming to launch 1,000 new trains by 2030, such incidents highlight the balance between cutting-edge technology and public readiness. Ensuring equitable access to safe, green transport requires not just infrastructure but also awareness campaigns to empower all passengers, fostering trust in sustainable urban mobility solutions.
Also Read: Indian Railways Plans 1,000 Eco-Friendly Trains by 2030
