Delhi Division of Northern Railway Conducts Joint Mock Exercise with NDRF and Civil Authorities
Today, the Delhi division of Northern Railway, in collaboration with the 16th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local civil authorities, carried out a comprehensive mock exercise to evaluate their emergency response readiness. This drill aimed to test the effectiveness of the emergency response plans, enhance coordination among various emergency support functions, identify gaps in resources, manpower, equipment, and communication systems, and ensure preparedness for any unforeseen situation.
The exercise simulated a serious accident scenario at Tughlakabad Railway Yard, where two coaches derailed and capsized while entering the yard. The incident was further complicated by a side collision with a goods train en route to Palwal, resulting in injuries to several passengers.
Upon receiving the alert, the Railway Control Office promptly notified the Self-Propelled Accident Relief Medical Van, Accident Relief Train, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Hospital, Government Railway Police, NDRF, and other civil authorities. Teams from each department, including Railway Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, and local hospital doctors, arrived at the site to manage the situation.
Abhimanyu Seth, Additional Divisional Railway Manager of Delhi, and Mangal Singh, Senior Divisional Safety Officer, along with senior officials from Northern Railway headquarters and Delhi division, were present at the accident site.
A mini control room was established immediately with the assistance of all involved departments. RPF personnel secured the area, helped passengers, and made announcements to keep the public away from the site while safeguarding passengers’ belongings.
Rescue teams from NDRF, Railway Civil Defence, and RPF entered the capsized coaches to assess the number and location of passengers and plan their evacuation. First aid was administered on-site, and various rescue techniques, including cold cutting methods and specialized evacuation methods, were employed to assist passengers trapped inside.
Medical teams documented the injuries and managed the transfer of patients to hospitals, ensuring each injured passenger received identification slips with their details for proper tracking and treatment.
The successful execution of this mock drill demonstrates the Delhi Division of Northern Railway’s capability to effectively handle such emergencies with the support of NDRF and civil authorities
