Railway staff identified a hot axle in the C4 coach as the source of the smoke and promptly halted the train. All passengers were asked to alight and were reported to be safe.
Technical and safety teams were dispatched to inspect the faulty axle, while the South Coast Railway (SCoR) set up a help desk at the station and provided drinking water, food and waiting facilities for the stranded travelers.
An alternative train was arranged to continue the journey for those willing to proceed. Passengers who chose not to travel were offered a full refund of their fare, according to officials of the Vijayawada division of SCoR.
The incident caused a delay of nearly four hours to the Vande Bharat Express schedule. The replacement service departed Vijayawada safely after the issue was resolved.
South Coast Railway officials said they are reviewing maintenance procedures for high‑speed coaches to prevent similar occurrences in the future.