Title - Railways may ban bikes on long-distance trains after fire - Mumbai - DNA

The railways are contemplating a complete ban on transport of fuelled two-wheelers, including motorbikes, on long-distance trains, as they can lead to fires.

Senior railway officials said that a final decision would be taken soon on the issue that was raised after smoke began emanating from a train belonging to South Central Railway, which was passing by Nagpur recently due to the petrol from a bike on board.

The CR has already decided to drain out fuel from motorbikes before loading it. Right now, there is strict inspection of petrol tank of motorcycle before they are loaded in the train, but if the railway board approves, all bikes would soon be banned by the railways.
Many citizens living elsewhere and working in a different city usually transport their bikes in trains’ cargo for convenience. The Hampi Express mishap on May 22 that killed 25 passengers occurred due to fuel from bikes being carried in the train’s cargo.

The officials came to the conclusion that fire started from the luggage carrying bogie, adjacent to the ladies general compartment, just behind the train engine, when the train rammed into a stationary goods train. The investigating officials concluded that the fire had sparked from the fuel in the two-wheelers being carried in the parcel van and found fault with the parcel section officers, for not making proper inspection before packing and writing receipts for the bikes.

City commuter associations said the railways should not arrive at such a decision as the railway cargo is a cheap way of transport and such a blanket ban wouldcause problems.