Madurai division conducts mock drill at Manamadurai station

Madurai: Madurai division on Thursday conducted a comprehensive mock drill at Manamadurai to assess the preparedness of railway officials in handling emergency situations involving a passenger train.The exercise commenced after a message was received at the divisional control office, Madurai, from the station master, Manamadurai. At about 10.05am, it was reported as part of the drill scenario that the Trichy–Mandapam special derailed at road-6 of Manamadurai Junction.
Immediately after receiving the information, divisional railway manager, Om Prakash Meena, reached the divisional control office, coordinated with all concerned departments, reviewed the situation, and issued necessary instructions. After initial coordination, he proceeded to the accident site to oversee rescue and restoration arrangements.In the scenario, two coaches, positioned fourth and fifth from the locomotive, were shown as capsized. Fire and smoke were also shown in one of the affected coaches. The overhead electric wire was assumed to have snapped in the affected portion, and around 25m of track was considered damaged. The locomotive and signalling and telecommunication equipment were reported safe, and the adjacent or main line remained unaffected.The siren indicating a special occurrence in train operations was sounded at 10.07am. The self propelled accident relief train (SPART), carrying medical assistance, left Madurai at 10.13am and arrived at Manamadurai at 11.05am as part of the drill. The ART with 140 tonne crane started from Madurai at 10.42am and reached Manamadurai at 11.25am.The exercise tested emergency activation systems, inter-departmental coordination, medical and fire response, rescue operations, and restoration capability, strengthening the sivision's readiness to handle real-time emergencies effectively.LN Rao, additional divisional railway manager, K Mohaidheen Pitchai, senior divisional safety officer, along with other officers, participated in the drill. Sanket Gaikwad, deputy commandant, 04th battalion, NDRF, along with 31 personnel, also took part.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and gift idea !