Cuttack, June 22: In a rare and dramatic incident, a pregnant woman gave birth to twin baby girls while travelling on the Rourkela-Gunupur Rajarani Express on Sunday morning. One child was delivered inside the train, while the second was born in an ambulance on the way to hospital.

According to Railway Protection Force (RPF) officials, the woman, a resident of Bhadrak district, was travelling in the general coach of the Rajarani Express. After the train crossed Bhubaneswar, she developed severe labour pain.

At around 6:45 am, information was passed to railway authorities through the railway helpline. Ahead of the train's arrival at Cuttack Railway Station, RPF personnel arranged an ambulance and made announcements seeking the assistance of any doctor or pharmacist travelling on the train.

A pharmacist responded to the call and helped the woman safely deliver her first baby girl inside the train before it reached Cuttack station.

When the train arrived at Platform No. 3 of Cuttack Railway Station at around 6:53 am, RPF personnel and railway staff rushed to assist the mother. As she continued to experience labour pain, she was immediately shifted to an ambulance. However, before reaching SCB Medical College and Hospital, she gave birth to her second baby girl inside the ambulance.

The mother and both newborns were later admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Sources said one of the babies was reported to be in critical condition.

The Rajarani Express remained at Cuttack station for a few extra minutes to facilitate the emergency response. Railway officials, RPF personnel, GRP staff and fellow passengers were praised for their timely assistance.

Interestingly, passengers were heard affectionately referring to the twin girls as “Rajarani”, inspired by the train in which they were born.

Several railway personnel, including women RPF staff, played a key role in ensuring the safe transfer of the mother and newborns to the hospital.