Fire at Sealdah stn eatery; licence suspended over ‘safety lapses’
Times of India | 1 September 2026
Kolkata: A fire broke out at Sealdah Food Express, also known as Rail Coach Restaurant, outside Sealdah railway station on Monday morning, sending thick smoke billowing from the eatery during the peak office rush. The blaze was brought under control after an hour-long operation, with no injuries or disruption to train services, railway officials said.
The fire was reported around 9.15 am as thousands of commuters from Kolkata’s suburbs arrived in the city for work. Three fire engines were deployed as smoke quickly filled the enclosed restaurant, housed in converted railway coaches. Kolkata Police and railway personnel cordoned off the area near the taxi stand, temporarily affecting movement around the station entrance. Few people were inside and all escaped unhurt.
Firefighters smashed glass panels with iron rods and bricks to ventilate the premises, while some entered wearing breathing apparatus. A fire department official said the enclosure’s firefighting system failed and water available in the complex was inadequate.
The restaurant’s glass panels and enclosed structure hampered firefighting as smoke could not escape. Access to the area was restricted as a precaution.
Railway officials said Sealdah station’s automatic fire suppression system covered the station premises but not the restaurant, where fire protection was the licensee’s responsibility. Railway said adequate water was supplied from the station’s hydrant system by manually operating pumps.
A prima facie railway assessment suggested cooking oil in a frying pan at one eatery caught fire after overheating, possibly because the temperature was set too high. The flames then reached the ceiling, igniting the duct and ceiling insulation, while the enclosed space caused smoke to build up.
Fire officials said combustible materials, including plastic and Styrofoam plates, were stored inside. Small enclosed seating areas and a false ceiling also contributed to smoke accumulation. Brands at Food Express included Prabhuji, Wow Chicken, Wow China and Dunkel Braun.
Officials were also concerned about the restaurant’s proximity to B R Singh Hospital, about 300 metres away, fearing smoke could enter wards through windows.
Railway said the restaurant was sufficiently far from the main station building to prevent disruption to passenger movement and train operations.
The restaurant’s licence was suspended with immediate effect pending an inquiry. Authorities will assess responsibility and take action if any lapse or negligence by the licensee is established.