Kasaragod : Palakkad Division of Southern Railway, in coordination with the 4th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Arakkonam, conducted a joint mock drill today (21.08.2025) at Palakkad Junction railway station. The exercise was organised to evaluate and strengthen disaster preparedness and rescue capabilities. The drill saw the active participation of officials from Kerala State Local Governing Authorities, Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police, Civil Defence Force of Southern Railway, Kerala Fire and Rescue Services, Kerala Police, Bomb and Dog Squads, Kerala Health Dept., Forensic Department, and Fingerprint Bureau.
The simulation commenced at 09:10 hrs, when the Station Manager of Palakkad Junction reported to the Divisional Control Office the derailment and capsizing of three coaches (S5, S6, and S7) of an express train at Palakkad Junction. To alert all concerned, sirens were sounded at both the Divisional Office and Palakkad Junction, initiating immediate rescue operations.
The NDRF rescue team, led by Commander Shri Kapil, reached the site promptly, supported by the self-propelled accident relief train based at Palakkad Junction. Teams from Kerala Police, the Revenue Department, and ambulance services also rushed to the location. When one of the derailed coaches caught fire, the Kerala Fire and Rescue Services swiftly extinguished the flames. The NDRF, along with the railway mechanical team, worked in close coordination to cut open the affected coaches and evacuate the “trapped” passengers.
By 10:45 hrs, the exercise concluded with the formal declaration of completion. A medical team comprising doctors and nursing staff from the Railway Hospital, supported by ambulances, provided first aid and participated in the mock rescue efforts. The medical staff was also briefed on procedures for coordinating with revenue and police authorities in handling cases involving casualties.
Addressing the participants and members of the public after the drill, Shri Madhukar Roat, Divisional Railway Manager, Palakkad Division, expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the exercise. He remarked, “Indian Railways has a comprehensive disaster management plan in place to effectively deal with emergencies, ensuring seamless coordination with civil authorities. This drill has further strengthened our preparedness to respond swiftly and effectively in such situations.”
The event was attended by Smt. Prameela Sasidharan, Chairperson, Palakkad Municipality; Shri Lalit Kumar Mansukhani, Principal Chief Safety Officer, Southern Railway; Divisional Safety Officer Shri Benny Varghese; branch officers of Palakkad Division; and the Station Manager, supervisors and staff of Palakkad Junction. Kerala Revenue officials led by Palakkad Tahsildar, Shri Mohamed Rafi, and Shri Ramankutty, Secretary, District Panchayat, Palakkad, also participated. Ambulance services were provided by Sevabharathi, 108 Ambulance Service and Railway Hospital, Palakkad.
The successful conduct of the mock drill reaffirmed the commitment of all participating agencies towards disaster preparedness and effective emergency response.
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