A young couple from Virar who were expecting their second child had no idea the fact that their baby would be delivered on the platform of a railway station. Ambika Mukesh Jha, 24, experienced extreme labour pain on the night of October 14. As soon as her nephew, Prince Mishra, saw his aunt’s condition, he immediately packed a bag full of essentials and they left their home, hoping to reach Nair Hospital in South Mumbai in time. “However, as the train approached Ram Mandir station, my aunt’s water broke and she almost fainted. Seeing that, Vikas Bhaiyya [a fellow passenger] pulled the chain, and we all got off the train. The situation turned scarier as Ambika Masi could not bear the pain at all,” said Mishra.

What happened next was completely unexpected. Vikas Bedre, the hero who assisted with the delivery, said, “We called for ambulances and the police helpline for almost 20 to 30 minutes but received no help. Unfortunately, no RPF [Railway Protection Force] officer was present. Luckily, I remembered that I had Dr Devika Deshmukh’s phone number. I immediately called her up and asked for help. I am happy that I received the strength from the Almighty to do this difficult job, and I am elated that I was of such great use to humankind. It makes me happy to know that the mother and baby are both safe.”