It was noticed during push back (during the taxiing after doors were ordered shut). It was immediately extinguished. All 213 passengers plus crew were evacuated,' Air India spokesperson Jitendra Bhargava said.

'All the passengers are safe. They will be sent to Riyadh on an alternative flight. The arrangements are being made,' Bhargava told IANS, adding: 'The cause of fire is being ascertained.'

According to the ground staff at the airport, the fire was noticed on the engine fitted below the left wing of the aircraft of 1993 vintage. It was immediately ordered to be brought to a halt, emergency services were deployed and rescue operation launched.

The passengers were evacuated by making them slide through the four exit doors and were later taken to the terminal building as the fire was being brought under control by the fire brigade services at the airport.

In the process, some passengers received minor injuries and were given first aid.