The Central Railway has significantly bolstered its emergency response capabilities in Maharashtra with the deployment of a cutting-edge accident relief train. The Bhusawal division has stationed a modern High Speed Self-Propelled Accident Relief Train (HS-SPART) at the crucial Manmad Junction, equipped with life-saving facilities including a fully functional onboard operation theatre.
A Mobile Hospital on Rails: Inside the HS-SPART
This advanced train is not just a transport vehicle but a comprehensive emergency response unit. It is fitted with a range of modern rescue tools designed to save lives and clear disaster sites rapidly. The key feature is its onboard operation theatre, allowing for critical medical procedures to be performed at the accident site itself, which can be crucial in the 'golden hour' after a major incident.
The train's arsenal includes Hydraulic Rescue Devices (HRD) and Hydraulic Rescue Equipment (HRE) for cutting through wreckage and extricating victims. For operations in darkness, it carries high-intensity lighting systems. To handle heavy metal obstacles, it is equipped with plasma cutting and exothermic cutting tools, making it a formidable asset for the Railways' disaster management team.
Strategic Location for Maximum Impact
The choice of Manmad Junction for basing this train is highly strategic. Manmad is located on the busy Mumbai–Bhusawal route of the Central Railway and serves as a key corridor connecting Mumbai with northern and northeastern India. The junction handles substantial traffic from multiple directions, including trains from Mumbai, Daund, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Bhusawal, including services bound for major destinations like Delhi and West Bengal.
Positioning the HS-SPART here ensures rapid mobilisation to critical sections across the region. This strategic placement is expected to significantly reduce emergency response time and facilitate quicker restoration of train services after any disruption, minimising overall network downtime.
A Key Asset for the Upcoming Kumbh Mela
A senior official from the Bhusawal division highlighted the train's importance for future large-scale events. The official stated that the HS-SPART will serve as a major asset for the Railways, especially during the Kumbh Mela 2026–28. The Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, sees millions of pilgrims converge, placing immense pressure on the rail infrastructure. Having a high-speed, well-equipped accident relief train on standby is a proactive measure to ensure passenger safety and swift handling of any potential emergencies during this massive event.
The deployment of this modern train underscores the Central Railway's commitment to enhancing safety protocols and preparedness. It marks a shift towards more technologically advanced and self-sufficient disaster response mechanisms, aiming to protect both passengers and the vital rail infrastructure of the region.
