Overview
- A series of mid-May coach fires led the Railway Board to order a focused inspection drive of pantry cars across all zones to strengthen fire safety and compliance.
- Joint teams from commercial, mechanical and electrical departments began the 15-day campaign in early June to check pantry-car equipment, wiring and Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS) access.
- Board inspection notes list specific violations including unauthorised tampering or replacement of heating coils, aluminium foil beneath heaters, covered smoke detectors, loose or unsafe wiring, and FDSS panels blocked by cartons or bottles.
- The Board has mandated immediate corrective work at sites where lapses are found, required daily reports in a prescribed format from line and station staff, and warned of strict disciplinary measures for responsible personnel.
- Officials say the drive is an urgent compliance step ahead of broader technical upgrades such as modern coach wiring and wider FDSS installation, with a consolidated report on findings due to the Board by June 20.