
Heroic act: Constable Rekha Gaikwad assists in childbirth at Pune Railway Station
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
Sometimes, a story makes you pause and smile. It reminds you that even amidst the hustle of a railway platform, humanity shines through in the most unexpected ways. That’s exactly what happened recently at Pune Railway Station.
Constable Rekha Gaikwad of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) did something remarkable. With no fanfare, no hesitation, and no formal medical title, she stepped up and helped a woman deliver a baby on the station platform. Yes, you read that right.
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More Than Just a Uniform
We often think of police officers as people who maintain law and order. But what do you do when life literally begins in front of you? Constable Gaikwad didn’t think twice. With the help of the One Rupee Clinic team, she created a makeshift delivery room on the platform floor. And together, they ensured both mother and baby were safe.
I can only imagine the adrenaline, the pressure, the raw responsibility of that moment. No training manual could have prepared her for this. It was pure courage and instinct.
Wait, What Is the One Rupee Clinic?
This clinic is one of those unsung blessings of Indian railways. For just one rupee, commuters can get emergency care at major stations like Pune Junction. These clinics are equipped with doctors, essential medicines, and basic life-saving tools.
They stabilize critical cases before moving them to nearby hospitals and are especially helpful in high-traffic areas like railway platforms. And on this day, they helped welcome a new life into the world.
What If This Happened In Front of You?
Honestly, most of us wouldn’t know what to do in such a situation. That’s why I wanted to turn this beautiful story into something more—a short, practical guide that could actually help you or someone else in an emergency.
What to Do in a Medical Emergency at a Railway Station
Step 1: Stay Calm, Act Fast Call the Railway Helpline 139 or emergency number 112. Or find the nearest RPF, TTE, or station master.
Step 2: Know Where to Go Head to the One Rupee Clinic if available, or the Station Master’s office where there is usually a first-aid kit.
Step 3: Communicate Clearly Share the platform number, nearest landmark (staircase, coach number), and the condition of the person.
Step 4: Don’t Move the Patient Unless they are in immediate danger, wait for help. Movement can worsen injuries.
A Moment Worth Celebrating
The mother and child were later taken to Sassoon General Hospital and are doing fine. But the real takeaway here isn’t just about one delivery—it’s about knowing that we’re surrounded by people who care. People like Constable Gaikwad who, without thinking twice, become everyday heroes.
As someone who loves Pune and its pulse, I feel incredibly proud. And I hope this blog doesn’t just tell a story—I hope it prepares someone, even just a little, for a moment that could change everything.
So here’s to courage. And kindness. And knowing what to do when it matters most.