Drill on state of preparedness to handle emergency situation involving train held at Manamadurai

Railway officials of Madurai division along with Sivaganga district authorities and the NDRF conducted a comprehensive drill at Manamadurai railway junction to assess the state of preparedness of the authorities concerned in handling emergency situations involving a train on Thursday.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Om Prakash Meena Additional Divisional Railway Manager L.N. Rao, and Senior Divisional Safety Officer, K. Mohaidheen Pitchai, oversaw the drill.

As per the drill, a special train had derailed at Road 6 of Manamadurai railway junction at around 10.05 a.m. As the divisional control room got an alert, the DRM reached the control office, coordinated with all departments concerned and reviewed the situation. He also issued necessary instructions. Immediately after the initial coordination, he rushed to accident site to oversee rescue and restoration work, a statement said.

Within two minutes, the siren indicating a special occurrence in train operations was sounded and subsequently, five sirens were sounded indicating an incident involving a passenger-carrying train away from home station (Madurai) and that medical assistance was required. Further, Control Room immediately informed higher officials and concerned field staff.

At the drill site, two coaches of the train had fallen on their sides and fire and smoke emanated from inside. The track had been damaged and overhead over snapped. However, the adjacent line remained unaffected.

A team of NDRF from 4 Battalion, led by its Deputy Commandant Sanket Gaikwad, officials from various civil and district authorities, including Civil Defence, St. John’s Ambulance Association, Home Guards, Municipal Administration, Sivaganga Government Medical College hospital, fire and resecue services, officials from Department of Disaster Management, Police and Red Cross Karaikudi rushed to the spot and took active participation in the exercise.

Meanwhile, a Self Propelled Accident Relief Train (SPART) l, carrying medical assistance, left Madurai Junction at 10.13 a.m. and arrived at Manamadurai at 11.05 a.m. as part of the drill, the statement added.

The ART with 140 tonne crane started from Madurai Junction at 10.42 a.m. and reached Manamadurai at 11.25 a.m.

After the drill, the officials conducted a debriefing session in which they analysed the coordination and preparedness. The working of communication and response of all departments concerned were discussed. The exercise tested emergency activation systems, inter-departmental coordination, medical and fire response, rescue operations and restoration capability, thereby strengthening the Division’s readiness to handle real-time emergencies effectively.

Mr. Gaikwad said that such exercises were a learning experience for every individual involved in the exercise.