Hot axle triggers smoke on Vande Bharat at Vijayawada, train delayed four hours

Passengers on the Narsapur-Chennai Vande Bharat Express were alarmed on Wednesday when smoke was seen coming from a coach shortly after the train pulled into Vijayawada railway station. Everyone on board got off the train and was reported to be safe.

Railway officials said a hot axle had been detected in the C4 coach when the train, running as Train No. 20678, reached the station. Technical and safety teams were pressed into service to attend to the problem.

While the issue was being handled, the passengers were provided drinking water, food and waiting facilities at the station. A help desk was also set up, and an alternative train was arranged for those who wished to continue their journey.

Travellers who chose not to proceed were given a refund of their fare, according to officials of the Vijayawada division of South Coast Railway.

The Vande Bharat Express was delayed by close to four hours. The alternative train later departed from Vijayawada station safely, the authorities said.