From Nagole to Jubilee Hills in 30 minutes, Hyderabad Metro races with live heart

Hyderabad: For the first time since its launch, the Hyderabad Metro was on Tuesday used for the fast, uninterrupted transport of a live organ for transplant, the heart of a 45-year-old brain-dead patient from Kamineni Hospital in LB Nagar to Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills on an exclusive passenger-free Metro train.

Photo: Surya Sridhar

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A special train was arranged for the purpose and Hyderabad Metro Rail created a special green corridor, besides suspending other trains on the route for a while. Prior information was given to passengers and the staff to ensure there is no inconvenience and proper coordination, Metro officials said.

The train commenced its unique run from Nagole Metro Station to the Jubilee Hills Checkpost Station around 4.30 pm. The ambulance with the organ started from Kamineni Hospital and the team shifted into the train at Nagole. The train reached the Jubilee Hills Checkpost Metro station around 5 pm. Dr. AGK Gokhale and his team accompanied the organ, according to the Apollo Hospitals management. An ambulance was kept ready at the Jubilee Hills station to rush the heart and the team to the hospital.

Metro officials said the train paced through the entire stretch of 21 kilometres crossing 16 stations between Nagole and Jubilee Hills. It took about 30 minutes for the train to reach Jubilee Hills. All stations were kept on guard and informed through a PA system regarding the movement of the special train.

L&TMRHL MD and CEO KVB Reddy stated: “I must thank Kamineni and Apollo Hospitals for reaching out to us. We have taken all safety measures in place, mobilising a special nonstop train from Nagole to Jubilee Hills, seamlessly facilitating the transportation of the heart.”

The organ donor was 45-year-old farmer V. Narsi Reddy from Nalgonda. He was admitted to the hospital on Sunday and was declared brain-dead on Monday night. Reddy’s family approved for organ donation and his heart, kidneys, liver and cornea are being used for transplantation, Apollo Hospitals officials said.