Indian Railways Makes Medical History with First-Ever Live Donor Heart Transport on Vande Bharat
Ahmedabad: In a landmark achievement for both healthcare and public transport, Indian Railways has successfully transported a live donor heart by train for the first time in the country’s history. The life-saving organ was ferried from Surat to Ahmedabad aboard the Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 20901), enabling doctors to perform a timely heart transplant at the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre.
The unprecedented mission highlighted the speed, punctuality and reliability of the Vande Bharat Express, while demonstrating the growing role of Indian Railways in supporting emergency medical services and organ transplantation.
Given the narrow viability window for a donor heart, the operation required minute-by-minute planning and flawless coordination among Indian Railways, the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat Police and medical teams. Officials synchronised every stage of the journey to ensure the organ reached the recipient hospital without delay.
A heartbeat of hope, delivered on time!
For the first time, a ‘live human heart’ was transported by Vande Bharat Express from Surat to Ahmedabad for a life-saving transplant.
A remarkable example of seamless coordination between Indian Railways and State Administration- where… pic.twitter.com/eFx7IRuquD— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) July 31, 2026
A dedicated Green Corridor was created from Platform No. 1 of Ahmedabad Railway Station to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre, allowing the donor heart to be transported swiftly and uninterrupted for the transplant procedure.
Calling it a proud moment, Ahmedabad Divisional Railway Manager Ved Prakash said the successful mission reflected Indian Railways’ commitment to serving society beyond passenger and freight transportation. He noted that every minute was critical in such life-saving operations and credited the seamless coordination among railway authorities, security agencies and medical professionals for the mission’s success.
The achievement also underscores the potential of Vande Bharat Express to support time-sensitive emergency operations through its high-speed connectivity and dependable services. Railway officials said the operation demonstrates how modern rail infrastructure can strengthen India’s emergency healthcare network.
Indian Railways expressed gratitude to the RPF, Gujarat Police, doctors, organ transplant coordinators and railway personnel whose coordinated efforts made the historic mission possible, reaffirming its commitment to supporting humanitarian and life-saving initiatives alongside its transport services.
