Mangalore: SCDCC Bank Honours Alert Train Driver of B'lore-Kannur Express
Pics: Brijesh Garodi
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (BG)
Mangalore, Jan 13: The SCDCC Bank on Sunday January 13 organized a special thanksgiving programme to honour Shivaram, the train driver whose presence of mind and quick action saved the lives of nearly 1,800 passengers of Yeshwantpur-Kannur Express that derailed on January 4 near Sakleshpur.
Shivaram, a resident of Mysore, was felicitated by Oscar Fernandes, Rajya Sabha MP, and Rajendra Kumar, president, SCDCC Bank. Matti Lakshminarayan Rao, a passenger in the train too felicitated Shivaram on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Rajendra Kumar said that people like Shivaram truly deserve appreciation and accolades, as it was because of his presence of mind and dedication towards his job that he could save nearly 1800 lives. "Hence ,with a view to recognize his efforts and bravado, this felicitation programme has been organized," he said.
Narrating the January 4 incident, Shivaram said that as the train approached the Soorikumeru tunnel near Sakleshpur, he experienced a sudden shift and a downward movement in the train's path. Sensing danger, he applied breaks immediately, and at the same time made sure that the sudden action would not harm anyone.
"The train was inside the tunnel and it was too dark. Later arrangements were made to drag the train out and make sure everything was fine," he added.
In his address, Oscar Fernandes lauded Shivaram's heroism and also expressed his gratitude to Rajendra Kumar for recognizing and felicitating Shivaram. He also cited two other similar instances where train tragedies had been averted.
Naveen Kumar Soorinje, vice-president, SCDCC Bank, Rohan Monteiro, MD, Rohan Corporation, Raju Poojary, Sudhir Hegde, railway department officers and others were present.