Rlys delays train as woman gives birth

Jalpaiguri: Indian Railways on Wednesday deliberately delayed a train's departure to accommodate a woman giving birth. The train left 1 hour and 21 minutes later than scheduled.The 13142 DN Teesta Torsa Express, bound for Sealdah, was positioned at Platform 3 of New Alipurduar railway station, awaiting departure clearance scheduled for 12.05 pm.Around noon, head constable Sapna Das noticed a pregnant woman in distress on Platform 2. She promptly alerted authorities to secure urgent medical assistance.The woman, Neha Devi from Bihar's Bhagalpur, entered Coach S-8 of the stationary train to access the lavatory. The baby was born around 12.10 pm, before medical staff could reach the scene. RPF personnel from the Child Help Desk provided immediate assistance.The Railway Medical Officer arrived at 12.55pm, delivered medical care and facilitated the transfer of the mother and baby to Railway Hospital, Alipurduar, for additional treatment. Consequently, the Teesta Torsa Express remained at the station, departing 1 hour 21 minutes behind schedule.Investigations revealed that Neha was originally travelling on the Silchar-Coimbatore Express (12516) from Guwahati to Malda Town but had disembarked at New Alipurduar due to labour pains."It's sometimes good to be late. We are happy that a new life blossomed in a train," a senior railway official said.