A full-scale mock drill exercise was successfully conducted today at Oddarahalli Yard, involving the 10th Battalion of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and various key stakeholders. The objective of the mock exercise was to enhance preparedness and coordination among agencies in the event of a train accident.
As part of the drill, a simulated accident scenario was enacted wherein one coach was derailed and another had capsized. An emergency siren was sounded, and the accident message was relayed through the Control Office. Rescue teams from various agencies quickly arrived at the site and initiated coordinated rescue operations.
The NDRF team, led by Dilbag Singh, Deputy Commandant, 10th Battalion, along with 27 rescuers, actively participated in the operation. Other stakeholders included personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services, Government Hospital, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), and Railway staff from the Medical, Carriage and Wagon, Signal, Electrical, RPF, Operations, and Commercial departments.
During the simulated scenario, teams used specialized equipment to cut open the roof, vestibules, and windows of the coaches to safely evacuate passengers trapped inside. Additionally, the medical team demonstrated procedures for administering first aid and transferring the injured to hospitals based on the severity of their injuries.
The exercise was overseen by M. Ramakrishna, Principal Chief Safety Officer, South Western Railway. Speaking after the conclusion of the mock drill, Ramakrishna expressed satisfaction over the well-coordinated rescue operations and emphasized the importance of such preparedness exercises.
He highlighted the need to have “Aapada Mitras” in each district for better disaster management. These volunteers can act as first-line responders and encourage more public participation. Ramakrishna urged the district administration to develop a wider network of ‘Aapada Mitras’ by roping in more volunteers.
Several senior railway officers participated in the mock drill, including Balasundar P., Chief Mechanical Engineer, Diesel & Disaster Management; Parikshit Mohanpuria, Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations), Bengaluru; and Dr. Venkataramayya, Assistant Chief Medical Superintendent (ACMS), Bengaluru, along with other branch officers.
Officers from various state agencies also took part in the exercise, including Mahadeva Murthy, Deputy Commandant, Home Guards; Gowtham H.G., Officer Commanding, Fire Services; Smt. Smitha Priyadarshini, District Disaster Management Authority representative; and Anu Kumar, Inspector, SDRF.
The mock drill concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sudarshan Bhat, Senior Divisional Safety Officer, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders for their active participation and cooperation in making the exercise a success.
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