Mock Drill Conducted at Kathgodam Railway Station to Tackle Terror Threat

DAINIK NATION BUREAU/HALDWANI (NAINITAL)

To strengthen preparedness against potential terror threats, a full-scale mock drill conducted today at Kathgodam Railway Station in Nainital district. The exercise was conducted under the supervision of GRP Police Station Kathgodam as part of Operation Sindoor, aimed at ensuring swift and coordinated emergency response.

The drill simulated a high-alert terror scenario, with information received by the station manager about a possible attack on the Delhi-bound Shatabdi Express by three suspected terrorists. The moment the alert was issued, multiple security and emergency response teams swung into action.

Participants included the District Administration, Disaster Management Officer, Local Police, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services, Medical Department, Anti Human Trafficking Unit, 108 Ambulance Service, and the District Disaster Management Authority.

The Mock drill focused on several critical areas—rapid identification and neutralization of threats, evacuation procedures, treatment and transport of the injured, and coordination among multiple agencies. Security forces cordoned off the railway station and simulated an encounter, successfully neutralizing the mock threat.

SP City Prakash Chandra said its objective was to strengthen inter-departmental coordination and test emergency response mechanisms in real time. “The coordinated efforts of all departments ensured the success of the operation,” he said.

During the debriefing, Disaster Management Officer Kamal Mehra acknowledged some shortcomings and assured that these would be addressed promptly. He appreciated the prompt participation of all agencies involved.

The mock drill was closely monitored by the District Magistrate’s Office, and coordination was led by SHO GRP Kathgodam. City Magistrate Gopal Singh Chauhan, CO Nitin Lohani, the Chief Fire Officer, and other senior officials were also present during the exercise.