Train delays run by over 1 hr to carry mom who delivered at New Alipurduar station

Jalpaiguri: The Indian Railways on Wednesday demonstrated compassion by deliberately delaying a train's departure to accommodate a woman giving birth, resulting in a delay of 1 hour 21 minutes at New Alipurduar railway station. The expectant mother, Neha Devi from Bihar's Bhagalpur, was originally travelling on the Silchar-Coimbatore Express (12516) from Guwahati to Malda Town but had disembarked at New Alipurduar due to labour pain. In the process, her train departed. Thereafter, she entered coach S-8 of the 13142 DN Teesta Torsa Express, bound for Sealdah — awaiting departure clearance scheduled for 12.05 pm at platform no. 3 — to access the lavatory. At this point, woman head constable Sapna Das noticed Devi, writhing in pain. She promptly alerted relevant authorities to secure urgent medical assistance.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 12:55 pm, delivered necessary medical care, and facilitated the transfer of mother and infant to Railway Hospital, Alipurduar, for additional treatment.Consequently, the Teesta Torsa Express remained at the station, departing 1 hour 21 minutes behind schedule. "It's sometimes good to be late. We are happy that a new life blossomed on a train," a senior railway official said.