Cuttack: The quick response of Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel helped a pregnant woman safely deliver twin babies after she went into labour aboard the Rourkela–Gunupur Rajya Rani Express on Sunday morning. While the first baby was born inside the train before it reached Cuttack station, the second was delivered in an ambulance on the way to the hospital with the assistance of women RPF personnel.
The incident unfolded after railway authorities received information through Rail Sadan that a woman passenger travelling in the front general compartment of Train No. 18117 was experiencing severe labour pains. Acting immediately, three women RPF personnel and a duty officer were rushed to Platform No. 3 of Cuttack railway station, where the train arrived at 6:53 am.
By the time the RPF team reached the coach, the woman had already delivered her first child. However, officials soon realised that she was carrying twins and was likely to deliver a second baby. As she continued to experience intense labour pains, emergency arrangements were made on the platform.
A section of the platform was cordoned off to ensure the mother’s privacy. Railway staff also made announcements over the public address system requesting medical assistance from passengers. A pharmacist travelling on the train responded to the call and provided first aid to the mother and the newborn.
The woman and her first-born child were then shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in a 108 ambulance with the support of RPF and emergency service personnel. Two women RPF personnel accompanied her during the journey to the hospital.
In a dramatic development, the second baby was delivered safely inside the ambulance while it was en route to the hospital. The delivery was facilitated with the assistance of the accompanying women RPF personnel, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the newborn.
Officials said both babies and their mother were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital and are in stable condition.
The emergency operation led to a brief detention of the Rajya Rani Express at Cuttack station, delaying its departure by around 15 minutes.
Railway officials praised the swift response, coordination, and compassion shown by the RPF team. The incident was cited as an example of the force’s commitment to passenger welfare under Operation Matrishakti, a special initiative aimed at assisting women passengers during emergencies.
