A bomb scare gripped the Delhi-Patna Tejas Rajdhani Express (Train No. 12310) on Wednesday night, leading to a frantic search operation at Aligarh Junction in Uttar Pradesh. The incident occurred on January 17, 2026, and thankfully turned out to be a hoax.
Hoax Calls Spark Panic at Aligarh Junction
Around 9:00 PM, the Government Railway Police (GRP) control room in Agra received alarming reports of a fire in one of the coaches, quickly followed by a bomb threat. The Tejas Rajdhani, known for its non-stop service, was immediately halted at platform number 5 of Aligarh Junction at 10:05 PM.
A multi-agency team sprang into action, comprising personnel from the GRP, Railway Protection Force (RPF), a dog squad, bomb detection squad (BDS), local police, fire brigade, and station officials. Passengers were evacuated from the affected areas, and they waited anxiously outside while the thorough search was conducted.
31-Minute Search Yields Nothing Suspicious
According to initial reports, the search operation lasted for approximately 31 minutes. RPF Assistant Security Commissioner Gulzar Singh confirmed that no suspicious items were discovered during the extensive check. The train was eventually given the all-clear and departed from Aligarh Junction at 10:50 PM.
Authorities are currently working to trace the mobile number used to make the hoax call. The incident comes amidst heightened vigilance in the region due to the upcoming Prayagraj Magh Mela.
The Tejas Rajdhani Express is an upgraded version of the Rajdhani Express, boasting modern features such as improved interiors and automatic doors.
Similar Incident on Return Train at DDU Junction
In a separate but related incident on the same night, the return train (12309 Tejas Rajdhani Express) traveling from Patna to New Delhi also faced a similar hoax bomb threat. This occurred at Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Junction in Uttar Pradesh around 10:15 PM.
Passengers were evacuated from 16 coaches, and a comprehensive search operation was launched involving the GRP, RPF, local police, BDS, and a dog squad. The search lasted for a grueling 3 hours, finally concluding at 1:15 AM. Ultimately, nothing was found, and the threat was declared a hoax. The station area was secured, and investigations are ongoing.
Thankfully, no injuries or explosives were reported in either incident. These events highlight the standard protocols followed by Indian Railways in response to hoax threats. Investigations into the origins of the calls are continuing.
Last Updated: 18 January 2026
