`Waltair Division’s mock drill checks alertness and preparedness

In a proactive measure to enhance emergency preparedness and coordination, Waltair Division organized an extensive mock drill for real-time relief and rescue operations at Simhachalam Railway Station Yard here on Wednesday. The drill, which simulated a scenario involving the derailment of three coaches of the 08854 special, aimed to evaluate the alertness and preparedness of various departments in handling emergency situations.
Waltair Division’s Divisional Railway Manager, Saurabh Prasad, personally monitored the operations, underscoring the significance of preparedness in ensuring passenger safety. ADRM (Operations) Manoj Kumar Sahoo, ADRM (Infra) Sudhir Kumar Gupta, and Siddharth Pradhan, Senior Divisional Safety Officer, supervised the relief operations, ensuring a comprehensive and realistic approach to the drill.
The mock drill involved the deployment of men and materials for rescue operations, showcasing the coordinated efforts of departments such as Mechanical, Carriage & Wagon, Operations, Commercial, Medical, Security, Signal & Telecom, Civil Engineering, Traction Distribution, Electrical, Personnel, and Finance. External agencies including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire Brigade teams, alongside Civil Administration, actively participated. The primary objectives of the mock drill included assessing the responsiveness of railway personnel and different departments, testing and improving communication skills, and enhancing coordination among the participating entities. The exercise aimed to replicate an actual emergency situation, providing a valuable opportunity to evaluate and enhance emergency response capabilities. During the event, DRM Saurabh Prasad highlighted the critical role of the mock drill in evaluating the readiness of railway personnel to handle emergencies effectively. He emphasized the importance of swift rescue operations and the restoration of normalcy in the aftermath of such incidents. DRM Prasad extended appreciation to the local administration and media for their extensive support in ensuring the success of the drill.