Passengers Evacuate Koyna Express at Karjat After Smoke From Stuck Brakes

The Koyna Express, operating on the Mumbai‑Pune corridor, developed a serious brake malfunction near Karjat station, causing the brakes to bind and emit thick smoke. Passengers reported the dense fumes and, fearing a fire, began alighting from the train onto the platform. Railway officials promptly halted the service and deployed emergency crews to assist the evacuees and secure the train.

Local rail traffic was temporarily suspended as the incident was assessed, affecting commuter trains that use the same line. Authorities inspected the braking system, confirmed the cause as a binding mechanism, and arranged for a replacement locomotive to resume operations.

No injuries were reported, and the railway police opened an inquiry to determine the technical reasons behind the brake failure. Services are expected to normalize within a few hours, pending safety clearance.