Ahmedabad/Surat, July 31 (IANS) Indian Railways has completed what it described as the country’s first transportation of a live heart by train, with the organ being carried from Surat to Ahmedabad aboard the Mumbai Central-Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express for a transplant at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre.
The heart, which was transported on Train No. 20901, reached Ahmedabad within the required time frame for transplantation.
The operation involved coordination between Indian Railways, the Gujarat Police, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and medical teams to ensure the organ was delivered without delay.
After the train arrived at Ahmedabad railway station, a green corridor was established by the RPF and Gujarat Police from Platform No. 1 to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre.
The dedicated route allowed the heart to be moved swiftly to the hospital so that the transplant procedure could begin within the prescribed time.
Divisional Railway Manager (Ahmedabad) Ved Prakash said the operation marked a significant moment for Indian Railways.
“This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for Indian Railways that a live heart has been safely and timely transported from Surat to Ahmedabad through the Vande Bharat Express. Every moment is crucial in such lifesaving missions. The excellent coordination between Indian Railways, the RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams made this mission successful. For us, playing a role in saving a person’s life is not merely a responsibility, but the highest duty of service and humanity,” he said.
According to the railway administration, the speed, punctuality and reliability of the Vande Bharat Express were key factors in allowing the organ to reach its destination within the limited viability window required for transplantation.
The mission also involved multiple departments of Indian Railways, along with doctors, organ transplant coordinators, RPF personnel, Gujarat State Police officers and other officials.
Authorities said close coordination among all participating agencies ensured the successful completion of the time-sensitive operation.
The transport marks the first reported instance in India of a live heart being moved by train for transplantation, expanding the role of the railway network in supporting emergency medical logistics alongside its passenger and freight services.
–IANS
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