A young railway gatekeeper in Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur district has become an internet sensation and a local hero for her extraordinary act of balancing strict professional duty with life-saving compassion. Her decision at a critical moment has drawn widespread admiration from the public and authorities alike.
A Tense Standoff at the Level Crossing
The incident unfolded on January 3, around 7:45 PM, at the non-interlocked level crossing designated as LC128, located near Pinnavasal-Sithadikadu village in the Peravurani area. The gatekeeper, Arulgnanadelphin, aged 29, had closed the gates for the passing of the Rameswaram-Tambaram Express (Train No. 16104).
Immediately after she secured the crossing, a vehicle arrived in haste. It was carrying a gravely ill woman from Pinnavasal who needed urgent medical attention at the Peravurani Government Hospital. The patient's relatives desperately pleaded with Arulgnanadelphin to open the gate so they could rush her to the hospital.
Unwavering Duty Meets Compassionate Solution
Faced with intense pressure, Arulgnanadelphin remained steadfast. She calmly explained that the train had already passed Ayankudi station and opening the gate would endanger the lives of hundreds of passengers on board. She could not compromise on that safety protocol.
As the situation grew more desperate, with one relative even threatening her, Arulgnanadelphin displayed remarkable presence of mind. She offered a brilliant alternative. Pointing to her two-wheeler parked on the other side of the tracks, she told them, "Many lives are travelling on that train trusting me. My two-wheeler is parked on the other side. Take it and go to the hospital."
Acting swiftly, the relatives carried the ailing woman across the closed railway tracks. Fortuitously, another family member arrived on a motorcycle at that moment, allowing them to transfer the patient and continue their journey to the hospital without further delay.
Praise from Public and Railways
The entire episode was recorded by a bystander. The video clip quickly went viral on social media platforms, where users heaped praise on Arulgnanadelphin for being an exemplar of integrity and humanity.
It was revealed that Arulgnanadelphin hails from a family with deep roots in railway service from Peravurani. Her father, Anbanandam, and uncle, Anthoniraj, have also served in similar roles as gatekeepers and railway staff, underscoring a legacy of commitment to the railways.
Local residents and netizens celebrated her as a perfect model for blending compassion with unwavering professional responsibility. They emphasized that her clear-headed action potentially averted a major rail disaster while simultaneously facilitating critical medical aid.
In recognition of her exemplary conduct, railway authorities have officially commended Arulgnanadelphin. They lauded her for strictly maintaining safety protocols while also devising a humane and practical solution under tremendous pressure, upholding the highest values of public service.
