Waltair Division Conducts Real-Time Train Rescue Drill at Simhachalam Station
The Waltair Division of East Coast Railway on Friday carried out a real-time relief and rescue mock drill at Simhachalam railway station to test preparedness, coordination, and passenger safety during emergencies.
The exercise simulated a train derailment, followed by the evacuation of passengers and provision of first-aid support. Teams from the Railway Protection Force (RPF), medical staff, Civil Defence, and station personnel participated in the coordinated drill. Fire and emergency services and local ambulance units were also involved to assess inter-agency response.
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra said the drill aimed to evaluate the readiness of all agencies in case of an accident. “We used three coaches — one air-conditioned and two non-AC — to help teams understand how to access and rescue passengers from different types of coaches,” he explained.
Mr. Bohra added that support was drawn from local emergency services and medical units. During the exercise, mock passengers were safely evacuated, provided with first aid, and damaged coach sections were handled according to protocol. He noted that AC coaches require specialized tools and techniques due to their structure, and that the drill helped determine the equipment, procedures, and time needed for effective rescue operations.
Senior divisional officials oversaw the exercise and reviewed communication systems, emergency supplies, stretcher handling, and on-site medical response.
“Preparedness is the key to saving lives during any unforeseen incident. The mock drill helps us test our real-time response and ensures that every member in the chain knows their role,” said a senior official of the Waltair Division.
The drill also included public awareness messaging, guiding passengers on how to respond during emergencies. Officials said similar exercises would continue at major and suburban stations across the division, with the focus on enhancing safety standards and strengthening emergency response networks.