ಕಲ್ಪ ಮೀಡಿಯಾ ಹೌಸ್ | Hosapete (Ballari) |
A full-scale disaster management mock drill was conducted at the Hosapete Railway Yard by the Hubballi Division of South Western Railway (SWR) in coordination with multiple disaster response and emergency service agencies. The exercise was aimed at assessing the preparedness, rescue capabilities and coordination mechanisms of various departments in responding to a major railway accident.
The mock drill was conducted in coordination with the 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), TPL Kaiga, State Fire and Emergency Services, Indian Red Cross Society, Central Railway Hospital, SWR medical teams and Home Guards.
Train accident scenario recreated
As part of the exercise, a simulated major railway accident involving a train operating between Hubballi and Tirupati was recreated at Hosapete Railway Yard. In the simulated incident, two passenger coaches were shown to have derailed and overturned.
The exercise was designed to replicate the challenges that emergency responders could face during an actual railway accident. The scenario included injured and distressed passengers, some of whom were shown to be trapped inside the overturned coaches.
Immediately after the simulated accident was reported, rescue and emergency response teams rushed to the site and began coordinated rescue operations. The exercise provided an opportunity for the participating agencies to demonstrate their ability to respond quickly and work together under disaster conditions.
Rescue operations demonstrated
Rescue personnel demonstrated various techniques required to reach passengers trapped inside damaged railway coaches. Teams used specialised equipment to cut open coach windows, panels and roofs to create access points and evacuate the trapped passengers.
The injured passengers were carefully brought out of the coaches and given first aid at the site. Those requiring advanced medical care were subsequently shifted to hospitals through ambulances.
A total of 18 passengers were rescued during the mock exercise.
Railway help desk set up
A railway help desk was also established at the accident site as part of the exercise. The help desk was tasked with recording details of injured passengers and facilitating communication with their family members and relatives.
The arrangement was intended to demonstrate the importance of providing timely and accurate information to families during emergencies, apart from ensuring proper documentation and coordination during rescue operations.
Senior railway officials attend
Several senior railway officials were present during the mock drill and reviewed the rescue and emergency response operations.
M. Ramakrishna, Principal Chief Safety Officer, SWR; M. Srinivas, Chief Rolling Stock Engineer–CRSE (Coaching), SWR; Bela Meena, Divisional Railway Manager, Hubballi; and Trinetra K.R., Senior Divisional Safety Officer, Hubballi, along with other senior railway officials, participated in and monitored the exercise.
Around 350 personnel from various railway branches and participating agencies took part in the full-scale mock drill.
SWR : Focus on coordination and preparedness
The exercise provided an opportunity for railway officials, disaster response teams, fire and emergency services, medical personnel and other agencies to assess their readiness to handle a large-scale railway accident.
Such full-scale disaster management exercises are conducted to identify possible gaps in emergency response systems and improve coordination between different agencies. The practical training also helps response teams familiarise themselves with rescue procedures, medical evacuation, communication systems and other critical aspects of accident management.
Officials stressed the importance of maintaining a coordinated and prompt response during actual emergencies, when effective communication and quick evacuation can be critical.
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Following the full-scale mock drill, a Disaster Management Interaction Programme was also held at the Hosapete Railway Yard.
During the programme, senior railway officials interacted with representatives of the various agencies that participated in the exercise. Discussions focused on disaster preparedness, inter-agency coordination, emergency response mechanisms and operational challenges that may arise during railway accidents and other emergencies.
The interaction provided a platform for participating agencies to review the mock exercise, share their experiences and discuss ways to further strengthen coordination during emergency situations.
The combined mock drill and interaction programme highlighted the importance of regular training and joint exercises in ensuring that railway authorities and emergency response agencies remain prepared to deal with unforeseen incidents and mount a prompt, coordinated and effective rescue operation.
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