Mock Drill Conducted at Vijayawada Railway Station by Civil Defence Teams of South Central Railway & Banaras Loco Works

 

A joint mock drill was successfully conducted today at Vijayawada Railway Station by the Civil Defence unit, South Central Railway (SCR), and the Civil Defence team from Banaras Loco Works (BLW). The exercise was aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness and coordination among railway personnel and disaster response teams.

The mock drill simulated an emergency situation to test the readiness and response time of various departments in handling crisis scenarios such as fire, evacuation, and first-aid procedures at a major railway hub.

Speaking on the occasion, officials highlighted the importance of such exercises in ensuring the safety of passengers and staff, and commended the swift and disciplined actions of all teams involved.

The exercise demonstrated essential fire safety methods such as the use of fire extinguishers and immediate smoke management to reduce risks. Railway staff were also trained in safe evacuation techniques, ensuring that passengers, especially the elderly, women, children, and differently-abled, could be guided to secure assembly points swiftly and safely.

Teams showcased systematic rescue procedures, including crowd management, clearing passageways, and conducting stretcher evacuations for mock casualties. Coordination between the Civil Defence teams, railway security, and station staff ensured a smooth chain of command during the operation, highlighting the importance of communication in a crisis.

As part of the mock drill, first responders practiced Basic Life Support skills, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), bleeding control, and safe handling of unconscious passengers. The drill highlighted the importance of early medical intervention before professional medical teams arrive, underscoring how immediate action can save lives in critical situations.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. M. Sailaja, Station Director, Vijayawada Station, said, “Safety at stations is not just a protocol, it is a culture that we nurture every day. This mock drill demonstrates our preparedness and our unwavering commitment to protect passengers and staff under all circumstances. Regular exercises like these ensure that our teams remain vigilant, coordinated, and ready to act at a moment’s notice.”

Officials lauded the swift and disciplined actions of all teams involved, reinforcing Indian Railways’ dedication to passenger safety, security, and effective disaster response mechanisms across its network.

The joint drill reinforced the commitment of Indian Railways towards ensuring safety, security, and effective disaster response mechanisms across its network.

The event was conducted in the esteemed presence of Shri Sambasiva Rao, Station Master; Shri T. Sudheer Babu, Senior Civil Defence Inspector (Sr.CDI), South Central Railway and Shri Sampoornand Mishra Sr.CDI, and Shri Markandeya Mishra, Protocol Officer to General Manager, Banaras Loco Works. Their presence emphasised the importance of inter-departmental coordination and high standards of safety and preparedness within the Indian Railways.

SCR BZA PR No.93
Date: 29th August 2025