The Barak-Brahmaputra Express (Train No. 15641), traveling from Silchar to Tinsukia, faced an unexpected delay at Bihara Railway Station in Assam’s Cachar district after smoke erupted from one of its sleeper coach wheels. The incident, which raised concerns among passengers, was later confirmed to be caused by a brake binding issue, as clarified by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR).
The train resumed its journey after a delay of around 45 minutes, following immediate action by railway officials
What Caused the Smoke in Barak-Brahmaputra Express?
According to Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Northeast Frontier Railway, the smoke was caused by brake binding in the wheels of a sleeper coach.
“Brake binding happens when the brakes grip the wheels too tightly, leading to friction, heat, and eventually smoke. The issue was immediately attended to, and the train left Bihara station after a delay of around 45 minutes. There is no cause for concern,” Sharma assured.
Railway officials quickly inspected the affected coach and released the brakes to ensure the safety of passengers before allowing the train to proceed.
Passengers’ Reactions to the Incident
The sudden emergence of smoke created panic among passengers, who initially feared a more severe technical malfunction. Some passengers reported feeling an unusual burning smell, which led them to alert railway staff.
However, the timely response by railway authorities helped prevent any major disruption. The railway officials urged passengers to remain calm and assured them that the situation was under control.
Impact on Train Schedule and Railway Operations
Due to the 45-minute delay, the Barak-Brahmaputra Express’s schedule was slightly affected. However, there were no reports of further technical issues as the train continued its journey toward Tinsukia.
Railway authorities also conducted a precautionary check on other coaches to rule out any additional technical problems.
The incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of railway coaches to prevent such mechanical issues in the future.
Brake Binding Issues in Indian Railways
Brake binding is a common issue in rail transport, occurring when brake shoes remain tightly pressed against the wheels, generating excessive friction and heat. If left unchecked, it can cause damage to the wheel assembly or even lead to fire hazards.
To prevent such incidents, Indian Railways conducts:
- Regular maintenance checks on braking systems.
- Inspections at key railway stations to identify potential issues.
- Immediate response protocols to handle mechanical failures efficiently.
Railway Safety Concerns Following Recent Train Incidents
The Barak-Brahmaputra Express incident comes at a time when railway safety has been under scrutiny due to recent accidents.
On January 22, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in Maharashtra’s Jalgaon district, where 13 passengers lost their lives after being run over by the Karnataka Express. The passengers had jumped off the Pushpak Express following an alarm chain-pulling incident.
The Indian Railways has been actively working on improving passenger safety measures, ensuring that train operations remain efficient and secure.
The delay of the Barak-Brahmaputra Express due to smoke from its wheels at Bihara station highlights the importance of timely railway maintenance, quick response mechanisms, and passenger safety protocols. While the brake binding issue was swiftly identified and resolved by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), the incident serves as a reminder of the technical challenges that can occasionally arise during train operations.
The Indian Railways has been consistently working to enhance safety measures, ensuring that such mechanical failures do not pose a threat to passengers. Regular maintenance checks, real-time monitoring, and rapid response teams play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating such incidents. However, with thousands of trains running daily, unexpected technical faults like brake binding, signal failures, or track obstructions can still occur.
Passengers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unusual observations, such as smoke, strange noises, or vibrations, to railway authorities immediately. Timely passenger alerts can help railway officials take swift action and prevent potential dangers.
Additionally, the incident at Bihara station comes amidst broader concerns regarding railway safety following recent train accidents in India. Events like the Pushpak Express tragedy in Maharashtra underscore the critical need for stringent safety protocols, not just for technical failures but also for managing passenger behavior in emergency situations.
As the Indian Railways continues to modernize infrastructure and upgrade safety mechanisms, incidents like this serve as an opportunity to further improve operational efficiency. With increasing investments in automatic train monitoring systems, AI-powered diagnostics, and enhanced braking technologies, Indian Railways aims to make train travel safer and more reliable for millions of passengers.
Moving forward, railway authorities must remain proactive in identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring robust maintenance procedures, and educating passengers on safety protocols to prevent panic during minor incidents. A combination of technology, efficient response teams, and public awareness will be key to enhancing railway safety and reliability across the country.
 assured that the issue was resolved, and the train resumed its journey after a 45-minute delay.){kind=link}