On Sunday morning, March 22, 2026, passengers on the Patna-Ranchi Jan Shatabdi Express faced a tense situation when smoke began billowing from a coach. The incident occurred around 8:40 AM shortly after the train left Gaya Junction, specifically near the Bandhua railway crossing. Quick thinking by the train driver and railway staff helped bring the situation under control quickly, avoiding a potentially serious accident.
What caused the smoke in the Jan Shatabdi Express?
The smoke was triggered by a technical issue known as brake binding in the third coach of the train. According to Rail Traffic Officer Neeraj Sinha, the heat during the summer season often increases friction between the wheels and the brake system. This friction caused the brakes to jam, resulting in intense heat and the subsequent smoke that alarmed the passengers. Railway workers used fire extinguishers on-site to cool the affected parts and ensure there was no fire.
How did the incident affect passengers and road traffic?
The unexpected smoke caused chaos as several passengers jumped off the train in fear. However, the situation was managed within 30 minutes by the technical team. The impact of the event was also felt on local road transport and operations as follows:
- The Bandhua railway crossing remained closed for nearly half an hour during the technical inspection
- Long queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the crossing until the train resumed its journey
- No injuries were reported among any of the passengers during the entire incident
- The technical team repaired the brake fault and the train departed for its destination at 9:05 AM