'Bomb in general coach': Panic among passengers after Delhi-bound train receives threat; turns out to be hoax

NEW DELHI: Panic gripped passengers aboard the Nizamuddin-bound Shridham Express on Sunday after authorities received an alert suggesting a bomb had been planted in one of the train’s general coaches, according to PTI.

The warning, first communicated to railway officials in Bhopal, prompted heightened security measures and multiple checks along the train’s route as it travelled from Jabalpur toward Delhi. The 12192 Jabalpur–Hazrat Nizamuddin Shridham Express was halted at several stations for inspections before reaching Mathura Junction, where a full-scale search operation was launched. Station director NP Singh said teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and a dog squad boarded the train shortly after it arrived at platform number two at 10.02am to scan seats, luggage and other areas of the general coach. Security personnel combed through the compartment for any signs of explosives, but no suspicious item was found during the detailed inspection. Officials said the alert had specifically mentioned the general coach, leading to an intensive check that delayed the train’s schedule. With the threat confirmed as a hoax, the Shridham Express was cleared to resume its journey toward Delhi. Railway authorities said investigations are underway to trace the source of the false alarm, which triggered widespread concern among passengers and staff.