Fire Caused by a Power Bank in a Mumbai Local Train: Is There a Ban on Carrying Them on Trains?

Following an incident where a power bank caught fire on a Mumbai local train, questions regarding safety have been raised. While there is no general ban on carrying power banks on trains, a faulty battery can pose a significant danger.

If you carry a power bank in your bag to charge your mobile device while traveling by train, this information is relevant to you. Recently, a power bank inside a passenger's bag caught fire on a Mumbai local train, filling the coach with smoke and causing panic among the passengers. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. This raises the question: is there a ban on carrying power banks on Indian Railways, and what precautions should passengers take while traveling?

In reality, there is no blanket ban on carrying power banks on trains; however, it is crucial for passengers to ensure their safety. Power banks with faulty or damaged batteries can pose a fire risk.

How did the fire start on the Mumbai local train?

According to reports, the incident occurred around 12:30 PM on Friday on a Central Railway local train traveling from Dadar to Badlapur. As the train was approaching Ghatkopar station, a power bank inside a female passenger's bag suddenly caught fire. When smoke began to emerge from the bag, passengers in the coach immediately pulled the emergency alarm chain.

Subsequently, the passengers moved the burning bag out of the coach and attempted to extinguish the fire using water. Although no one was injured, the female passenger's belongings were destroyed by the fire.

Is there a ban on carrying power banks on trains?

There is no general ban on carrying power banks on Indian Railways. Passengers are permitted to carry electronic items—such as mobile phones, laptops, and power banks—with them while traveling. However, when using a power bank, ensure that it does not overheat and that there are no signs of the battery swelling or becoming damaged. Furthermore, do not place the power bank in a spot within your bag where it might be subjected to pressure from heavy items or be continuously exposed to heat.