Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SS)
Mangaluru, Apr 5: The elderly woman Chandravathi (70), a resident of Kudupu Ayara Mane who waved a red cloth and averted a train mishap has come in for all-round praise from people of the state.
After reports about the woman's presence of mind went viral on various media, Mangaluru Railway Police officials paid a visit to the spot and praised Chandravathi for exhibiting exemplary presence of mind and for alerting the train driver at the right time.
Later, in the evening the officials felicitated her at the Mangaluru Central railway station.
Mangaluru Railway Police Inspector Mohan Kottari said, "The woman at her age has become a role model and has set an example for others in averting a possible train accident. This act of hers will be communicated to the Central office."
S Dilip Kumar of Railway Protection Force, Chandravathi's son Naveen Kuma Kudupu and her relative Uday Kudupu were also present.
Western Coastal Railway Travellers Development Committee president Hanumantha Kamath has dashed off letters commending Chandravathi's brave act to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Southern railway DRM, general manager and also recommended a suitable reward to the woman for the timely act.
Chandravathi had prevented the train from approaching a tree that had fallen on the railway track. She saved the lives of scores of passengers on the train from a possible train accident.
This incident occurred on March 21 at Mandara near Pachanady between Padil-Jokatte stretch. Around 2.10 pm, a tree fell on the railway track. Matsyagandha express train from Mangaluru to Mumbai was about to pass through the same spot within a short time.
Chandravati, who sensed danger, immediately took a piece of red cloth and waved at the loco pilot, who sensed danger and slowed down the train and stopped it ahead of the fallen tree.
Later, the tree was cleared from the tracks by locals and railway department personnel.