Delhi Metro Train Pantograph Catches Fire at Rajiv Chowk, No Injuries Reported

On Monday evening, a minor fire incident occurred at Rajiv Chowk station involving a Delhi Metro train. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that the incident was caused by an external material that got entangled with the pantograph, the apparatus connecting the train to the overhead electrification system. This led to what is known as pantograph flashing, a situation that, while alarming, did not pose any immediate danger to the passengers on board.

The occurrence was captured in a video that has since been widely circulated online. In the footage, passengers can be observed using their mobile phones to record the fire emanating from the train's roof while it was stationed at Rajiv Chowk, heading towards Vaishali at approximately 6:21 pm. Despite the potential for panic, the situation was quickly brought under control.

The DMRC's swift response to the incident involved immediately taking the affected pantograph out of service. The train was able to resume its journey towards Vaishali with minimal delay, approximately five minutes after the issue was addressed using the remaining operational pantographs. The corporation has assured that such incidents of pantograph flashing are not uncommon and reassured the public that there was no safety threat or hazard to passengers.

Further investigations are underway to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. The DMRC has committed to conducting a thorough examination to prevent such incidents in the future. This event highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance and prompt troubleshooting procedures in managing the vast and complex operations of urban metro systems.

The incident at Rajiv Chowk station serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by metro rail services in ensuring passenger safety amidst technical glitches. However, it also demonstrates the effectiveness of emergency response protocols that are in place to handle such situations efficiently. The DMRC's handling of the situation underscores their commitment to passenger safety and operational reliability.