Vijayawada: Ann Advani, a 75-year-old mentally unstable woman travelling along with her daughter from Chennai Central to Ranchi by Alappuzha- Dhanbad Junction Express, stepped down from the train at Chirala during the early hours of Friday.
When Ann’s daughter realised this, she immediately informed the ticket checking staffer on the train Srinivas Surada. Sensing the urgency, Srinivas immediately informed K. Srinivasulu of Chirala railway station.
Responding promptly, Srinivasulu meticulously searched the platforms and located Ann, who had panicked by then. Srinivasulu informed Srinivas about Ann’s whereabouts.
Given her advanced age and in panic, Ann lost consciousness. Srinivasulu quickly called 108 ambulance, which admitted her to Government General Hospital, Chirala. Following treatment, Ann regained consciousness. Recognising the need for additional support, railway police appointed a woman constable to assist her.
In the interim, Ann’s daughter de-boarded the train at Vijayawada and rushed to Chirala by Pinakini Express, where she reunited with her mother.
To facilitate their onward journey to Ranchi, Srinivasulu secured reservation for them by the Saturday train.
Vijayawada divisional railway manager Narendra A. Patil appreciated the railway staff for being alert and proactive in reuniting an elderly woman with her daughter. “Such moments are a matter of pride for the railways,” Patil stated.
