*Rescue Operation Conducted with NDRF, RPF, Fire Brigade, Civil Defence, St.John Ambulance & Medical Teams.*
• *20 Virtual Passengers Rescued Using Advanced Cutting and Rescue Equipment.*
• *Mock Exercise Tests Emergency Response, Coordination and Standard Operating Procedures.*
Kolkata, August 28, 2026:
As part of the Indian Railways’ continuous efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness and improve emergency response capabilities, Sealdah Division conducted a full-scale mock drill at Kankinara today. The exercise was designed to test the readiness of railway teams in collaboration with NDRF, State Govt. and other volunteer organisation in responding quickly and effectively to a major train accident.
The mock scenario involved a passenger train no- *00351 Sealdah-Lalgola Passenger* arriving on Line No. 1 at Kankinara station. After the train arrived, the On-Duty Station Master failed to secure the Point. Meanwhile, another train approached the station and the Driver failed to obey the Signal and passed at Danger. The approaching train came into conflict with the passenger train standing on Line No. 1, resulting in a simulated collision.
As part of the consequence, one coach of the passenger train derailed while another coach capsized. The situation required a coordinated rescue operation, with passengers trapped at different locations inside the damaged coaches.
Immediately after the simulated accident, rescue teams of Sealdah Division and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) swung into action. A total of 20 virtual(Dummy) passengers were evacuated from the affected coaches and provided appropriate medical attention. Those shown as seriously injured during the exercise were shifted to Naihati, Jagaddal State Gen Hospital, and B.N.Bose Hospital, for further treatment. In this collision reported 01 nos of Death and 05 nos of heavy injured and 07 nos minor injured.
A major focus of the exercise was on rescuing passengers trapped inside badly damaged coaches. The teams demonstrated how modern rescue equipment can be used to safely cut through coach structures and create access points for evacuation. The operation involved the use of advanced equipment such as high-capacity cutters, separators and plasma cutting tools, etc.. giving the rescue personnel an opportunity to practice working under conditions similar to an actual emergency.
The joint exercise commenced at 17:00 hrs and continued through different stages of rescue, medical assistance, evacuation and restoration. At 18:26 hrs, the emergency situation was declared under control and the mock drill was formally concluded after the complete restoration of the site.
The exercise witnessed active participation from around 35 NDRF personnel, Divisional Disaster Rescue Team, 23 Civil Defence personnel and 08 Fire Brigade personnel took part in the rescue operation. In addition, 07 doctors, 36 paramedical staff, 29 members of St. John Ambulance Association, 31 Scouts & Guides and 75 RPF personnel actively participated in the exercise.
The drill was conducted under the inspiring leadership of Shri Rajeev Saxena, DRM/Sealdah. Shri Sujit Kumar Sinha, Sr. DSO, along with other concerned Divisional Officers, actively participated in and monitored the exercise.
The main objective of the mock drill was to assess the accident alertness and emergency preparedness of all participating teams, identify possible gaps in the response mechanism and strengthen coordination among the Railway, NDRF and other emergency response teams. The exercise also provided an opportunity to practically test and evaluate the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed during a real disaster.
Division Railway Manager Sri Rajeev Saxena said that, such full-scale exercises are an important part of railway safety preparedness. They help personnel remain ready for unforeseen situations and ensure that, in the event of an actual emergency, rescue, evacuation, medical assistance and restoration can be carried out in a coordinated, timely and effective manner.
