Kalahandi woman gives birth to baby boy on train in Tamil Nadu

A woman from Lanjigarh in Odisha's Kalahandi district gave birth to a baby boy on board a moving train in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday morning. Jamuna Majhi, wife of Jitu Sarakia, was travelling with her husband from Thrissur in Kerala to their native state when she went into labour around 5.30am. The incident occurred in coach S5 of the Ernakulam–Tatanagar Express shortly after the train crossed Ambur and was moving between Gudiyattam and Katpadi. The mother and the newborn were safely detrained at Katpadi railway station and shifted to a hospital.

Railway officials confirmed that the train staff were alerted and coordinated with station authorities at Katpadi to ensure immediate medical assistance. A doctor on call at the station provided first aid before the mother and child were taken to a nearby government hospital for further care. Both are reported to be in stable condition.

Jamuna's husband, Jitu Sarakia, expressed gratitude to the train crew and health workers for their swift response, saying, 'We are thankful to everyone who helped my wife during this difficult time.' The couple had been residing in Thrissur for work and were returning to Odisha for a family visit.

Local residents near Katpadi station shared their relief at the safe outcome, with one passenger noting that such incidents underscore the need for better emergency facilities on long-distance trains. This event highlights the challenges faced by migrant workers who often travel long distances with limited access to medical care.

Where did the birth take place?

The birth took place on the Ernakulam–Tatanagar Express in Tamil Nadu. Jamuna Majhi went into labour around 5.30am on Tuesday morning after the train crossed Ambur station while it was moving between Gudiyattam and Katpadi.

Who is the mother?

The mother is Jamuna Majhi, wife of Jitu Sarakia, of Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district of Odisha. She was travelling from Thrissur in Kerala to her native state with her husband in coach S5 of the train.

What happened after the birth?

The mother and the newborn were safely detrained at Katpadi railway station. They were then shifted to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed that both were in good health. The railway authorities have arranged for their onward journey to Odisha once the mother is fit to travel.