Chakradharpur railway division is all set to introduce Self-Propelled Accident Relief Train (SPART), an improved version of accident relief trains (ARTs), that runs at 110 kmph speed for quick relief.

The decision was taken during a railway safety meeting convened by the divisional railway manager at his office in Chakradharpur on Tuesday.

Several senior railway officials from safety, engineering and medical departments were present at the meeting apart from the divisional railway manager Chatrasal Singh and senior divisional commercial manager Bhaskar.

It was decided that SPART capable of running at a faster speed, for fast initial response would be introduced. Such relief trains would be stationed at Chakradharpur, Bandamunda , Tatanagar and Dongaposhi.

“These SPART units with advanced medical facilities, surgery theatres and drug storage would be over and above the conventional accident relief trains with eight to ten coaches that have to be fitted with locos to be taken to an accident site,” noted an official.

He informed that SPART is an accident relief train equipped with two engines on either end.

It also has three coaches — a supervisor van, a medical van and a tool van. The best part is that engines permanently attached on both ends. Moreover at the time of emergency it can immediately leave for an accident spot in any direction.

The relief train’s first coach, has facility for manpower — doctors, paramedics, rescue workers.

The second one, medical van, is fully equipped with a doctor’s room, a 12-bed post-operative ward, an autoclave cubicle, an air-conditioned operation theater, hi-tech medical equipment.

Third coach, tool van, has equipment to cut coaches to pull out accident victims and other evacuation tools needed at the site of an accident. It also has a kitchen to cook basic foods for distribution during relief operations.

The meeting also decided to conduct full-fledged mock drill exercises for each accident relief train would be taken in regular intervals.

It was also decided that more walkie-talkie sets would be provided to ensure communication between police escorts and drivers and guards of trains. Chakradharpur is the highest revenue earning railway division in terms of freight in the country. Notably, about 150 passenger trains pass through various stations of Chakradharpur railway division every day.

Senior divisional commercial manager, Bhaskar, who is also the railway spokesperson  expressed a need for better coordination between railway police and railway staff for ensuring proper safety and security on running trains.