New Delhi, Oct 6 (NationPress) In a significant step towards preserving lives during the Golden Hour, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was executed on Monday among the Railway Protection Force (RPF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Railway Institute of Disaster Management (IRIDM), Bengaluru. This collaboration lays down a robust institutional framework for integrated relief operations and capacity-building specifically designed for railway accident situations.

“Each drill and protocol is focused on minimizing response time for faster access, triage, and evacuation from coaches. The RPF will enhance its capabilities related to coach and track operations — particularly in confined-space rescues — ensuring that initial actions at the incident site are executed correctly,” stated the Ministry of Railways.

The IRIDM will oversee the alignment of entry sequencing, stabilization, cutting plans, patient packaging, and handover processes. Shared radio protocols, standardized checklists, and collaborative scene-coordination drills will ensure that all agencies work seamlessly as a unified entity during rescue and relief missions.

Sonali Mishra, Director General of the RPF, emphasized the necessity for effective collaboration and coordination among all parties involved, insisting on the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for this purpose.

R. Rajagopal, Member (Traction and Rolling Stock) of the Railway Board, highlighted that attention should also be directed towards natural disasters such as cyclones, heavy rains, and heat waves, in addition to man-made emergencies.

He praised the initiatives of the Jagjivan Ram RPF Academy (JRRPFA) and IRIDM in enhancing capabilities related to rescue and relief operations, particularly concerning the Golden Hour.

Piyush Anand, DG of NDRF, underscored the importance of teamwork among all agencies engaged in disaster mitigation, calling for greater involvement of other railway agencies in capacity-building efforts.

This partnership, as reported by the ministry, operationalizes a scalable, repeatable framework aimed at improving national railway disaster preparedness—ultimately delivering quicker, safer, and more coordinated relief to passengers and staff when every moment is critical.