The Tirunelveli-Chennai Egmore Vande Bharat Express was briefly detained near Dindigul railway station on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, after panic broke out due to what passengers believed was smoke in an air-conditioned coach.

According to railway officials, some travelers noticed a cloud-like emission from a ceiling vent in one of the coaches and pressed the emergency button. The train was promptly halted as a safety measure, and railway staff along with the onboard security team rushed to inspect the situation.

However, it was later clarified that the supposed “smoke” was in fact mist released from a fire suppression system or AC unit - a standard safety mechanism not indicative of fire. There was no damage, fire, or threat to passenger safety, and the train resumed its journey shortly after inspection.

Railway authorities praised passengers for remaining alert and assured that staff would continue educating travelers about onboard safety systems to prevent future confusion.