Kolkata: As part of Indian Railways’ continuous efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, Sealdah Division today conducted a large-scale mock drill at Sodepur station.
According to the drill scenario, Train No. 00113 Sealdah–Lalgola Passenger Special derailed while passing through Sodepur station, resulting in casualties in two General Class Chair Car coaches (ER 032612 & ER 032614). The mock exercise reported 4 passengers dead, 12 grievously injured and 18 with minor injuries.
To simulate emergency action, the Accident Relief Medical Van (ARMV) and Accident Relief Train (ART) from Beliaghata and Sealdah, including a 140-ton crane, were rushed to the site. A joint team of Sealdah Division officials and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) immediately began evacuation and rescue work. In total, 30 “virtual passengers” were rescued and provided medical attention, with the critically injured shifted to BR Singh Hospital, Sealdah.
The exercise focused on two critical aspects:
- Evacuating passengers stranded inside damaged coaches using advanced rescue gadgets.
- Operating modern equipment such as high-capacity cutters, separators, and plasma cutters for swift relief operations.
The drill commenced at 03:30 hrs and was officially declared as a mock drill at 18:00 hrs, concluding with complete restoration of the simulated accident site.
A wide network of emergency responders actively participated in the drill, including:
- 38 NDRF personnel
- Divisional Disaster Rescue Team
- 20 Civil Defence members
- 07 Fire Brigade staff
- 08 doctors & 20 paramedics
- 28 St. John’s Association members
- 26 Scouts & Guides
- 53 RPF contingents
The operation was conducted under the leadership of Rajeev Saxena, DRM/Sealdah, with active participation from Sujit Kumar Sinha, Sr. DSO, and other senior divisional officers.
Speaking on the occasion, officials highlighted that the primary objective of the drill was to test accident alertness, emergency preparedness, and ensure effective coordination between Railway and NDRF teams in line with Standard Operating Procedures.
