Ahmedabad/Surat, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
In a first for the country, Indian Railways has successfully transported a live heart by train for transplantation, using the Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express to carry the organ from Surat to Ahmedabad.
The heart was transported aboard Train No. 20901 and reached Ahmedabad within the critical time required for a successful transplant at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre.
The time-sensitive operation was carried out through coordinated efforts involving Indian Railways, the Gujarat Police, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), organ transplant coordinators and medical teams.
Upon the train’s arrival at Ahmedabad railway station, the RPF and Gujarat Police established a dedicated green corridor from Platform No. 1 to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, enabling the organ to be transported swiftly to the hospital for the transplant procedure.
Divisional Railway Manager, Ahmedabad, Ved Prakash described the mission as a landmark achievement for Indian Railways.
“This is a moment of immense pride and satisfaction for Indian Railways that a live heart has been safely and timely transported from Surat to Ahmedabad through the Vande Bharat Express. Every moment is crucial in such lifesaving missions. The excellent coordination between Indian Railways, the RPF, Gujarat State Police and the medical teams made this mission successful,” he said.
According to railway officials, the speed, punctuality and operational reliability of the Vande Bharat Express played a crucial role in ensuring the organ reached its destination within the limited viability period required for transplantation.
The operation involved officials from multiple railway departments, doctors, transplant coordinators, RPF personnel and Gujarat Police officers working in close coordination throughout the mission.
Indian Railways said the successful transport marks the first reported instance of a live heart being moved by train in India for organ transplantation, demonstrating the railway network’s growing role in supporting emergency medical logistics alongside its passenger and freight services.
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