India’s only train which can’t be overtaken by even Shatabdi, Rajdhani, or Vande Bharat, the train is…, it is used for…

In the vast network of Indian Railways, where thousands of trains run every day, there is one special train that stands apart, the Accident Relief Medical Train, or ARMT. Unlike other trains, the ARMT doesn’t carry passengers or goods. Its purpose is far greater: to save lives. Whenever this train is on the track, no matter which other train is coming, it must stop and give way to the ARMT.

This unique train plays a very important role during emergencies. Whenever a train accident happens anywhere in India, the Accident Relief Medical Train rushes to the spot as quickly as possible. It is fully equipped with modern medical tools and facilities. Onboard, there are doctors and paramedical staff ready to provide immediate treatment to the injured.

Where are these ARMT trains kept?

You might wonder — where is this train kept? The Indian Railways parks these special trains at important railway yards and stations across the country. The moment there’s an accident, the ARMT is dispatched quickly. Other trains are made to halt so that the Accident Relief Medical Train can reach the accident site without any delay.

What’s inside the ARMT?

Each ARMT is equipped with:

  • Medical beds and stretchers
  • Oxygen cylinders
  • First-aid kits and medicines
  • Minor operation equipment
  • Space for doctors to treat patients on-site

Faster rescue with SPART

To improve rescue operations even more, Indian Railways has also introduced Self-Propelled Accident Relief Trains (SPART). These trains can run at a speed of up to 160 kilometers per hour. Every Accident Relief Train and Medical Van has a pre-decided route, inspection plan, and response time to ensure they work efficiently during emergencies.

Apart from this, the Indian Railways also has about 90 breakdown cranes of different capacities. These cranes help lift damaged coaches and assist in quick recovery after accidents.

The Accident Relief Medical Train is truly a silent hero, working behind the scenes to save lives during some of the most critical moments on India’s railway network.

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