A compartment of Howrah-Puri Jagannath Express caught fire on Saturday night near Markona station in Orissa, interrupting its journey, South Eastern Railway sources said.

Fire and smoke billowed from under a coach of the train due to overheating of wheels near Markona station.

A South Eastern Railway spokesperson said sparks of fire were noticed around midnight due to overheating of axle of the wheel. The fire has been controlled and all passengers are safe, he said.

The fire was detected by some people when the train was crossing the platform.

Railway officials said the train, which is at the station, would begin its onward journey after mandatory safety checks.