RAJPURA, November 6: A major fire broke out in four coaches of the Amritsar–New Jalpaiguri Karmabhoomi Express near Sarai Banjara railway station in Punjab’s Patiala district on Friday afternoon, triggering panic among passengers and prompting an extensive emergency response. The incident involved train number 12508, which was travelling towards New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. According to railway officials, the fire was first noticed in the fifth coach from the engine shortly after the train departed from Sadhugarh railway station at around 12.58 pm. Flames and thick smoke spread to adjoining compartments, forcing passengers to leave the train in a hurry. The loco pilot and guard acted promptly, bringing the train to a halt and helping detach the affected coaches to prevent the blaze from spreading further. Railway personnel, police teams, fire brigade staff and local residents joined the rescue and firefighting operations. Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal and Senior Superintendent of Police Harmandeep Hans visited the site to supervise the response. The district administration said all passengers were evacuated safely and no loss of life or injuries had been reported. Ambala Division Divisional Railway Manager Vinod Kumar Bhatia said approximately 1,500 passengers were travelling on the train when the incident occurred. Medical assistance was arranged at Sarai Banjara railway station, while the Railways organised an alternative train to help passengers continue their journeys. The administration also appealed to the families of passengers not to panic, as arrangements were being made to ensure their safe onward travel. As a precautionary measure, rail movement on both sides of the affected section was temporarily suspended to facilitate rescue operations and the removal of damaged coaches. Railway teams subsequently began working to clear the affected track and restore normal services. Although a short circuit has been mentioned as a possible cause in preliminary reports, railway authorities have not officially established the reason for the fire. A detailed forensic and technical investigation has been ordered to determine how the blaze started and whether any equipment failure or other factor was responsible. The incident once again highlights the importance of prompt emergency response and effective passenger-safety systems on long-distance trains. The swift evacuation and coordinated action by railway staff, local residents and district authorities helped prevent a potentially serious tragedy.