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Lifeline Express – World’s First Hospital Train
Lifeline Express to be flagged-off on April 15, 2017
The Union Minister for Railways, Suresh Prabahkar Prabhu, will inaugurate the Lifeline Express, “world’s first hospital train”, at Sindhudurg railway station on Sunday through video conference.
The idea behind the train is to provide diagnostic, medical, and advanced surgical treatment to persons with disabilities and to reach out to inaccessible rural areas which lack proper medical services. It was developed in collaboration with the Indian Railways and the Health Ministry.
The train has seven coaches, including a facility that would help in treatment of various disabilities, dental issues, epilepsy, and cancer services, for free.
The hospital train will be at Sindhudurg railway station from Sunday to Tuesday.
The Lifeline Express, also known as the Jeevan Rekha Express, is the world’s first hospital train, launched in India. It’s a landmark initiative in mobile healthcare delivery—bringing medical services to remote and underserved areas via the railway network.
🚆 Overview of Lifeline Express
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Lifeline Express (Jeevan Rekha Express) |
| Inauguration Date | July 16, 1991 |
| Initiated by | Impact India Foundation (IIF), Indian Railways, and the Health Ministry |
| Operating Partner | Indian Railways provides infrastructure and mobility |
| Status | Active (has treated over 1.2 million people as of recent reports) |
🏥 Services Offered Onboard
The Lifeline Express provides free medical care across multiple disciplines, especially for the rural poor:
- Cataract surgeries
- Cleft lip and palate repairs
- Orthopedic surgeries for polio and cerebral palsy
- Hearing aids and ENT surgeries
- Dental care and oral cancer screenings
- Breast and cervical cancer screenings
- Neurological services
- Diabetes and hypertension screening
🚋 Train Configuration (as of 2025)
The upgraded train has 7 coaches equipped with:
- 2 fully operational Operation Theatres (OTs)
- Pathology lab and diagnostic center
- Recovery rooms
- Pharmacy and consultation bays
- Onboard accommodation for doctors, nurses, and volunteers
- Solar panels and water purification units
🌍 Global Recognition
- Lifeline Express has inspired similar hospital-on-wheels projects in China, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and parts of Africa.
- It has been featured by World Health Organization (WHO) and recognized by the UN as a model for public-private partnership in healthcare.
📍 How It Works
- The train parks at selected rural stations for 15–20 days.
- Local governments and NGOs assist with patient registration, awareness, and logistics.
- Patients are treated free of cost, including surgeries and post-op care.
- After each project, the train moves to the next underserved location.
🧾 Notable Achievements
- Has completed over 210 projects across India since inception.
- Delivered care in remote tribal, desert, and mountainous regions.
- Played a vital role in health awareness and capacity building.
🛤️ Trivia
- Lifeline Express is often referred to as a “Hospital on Wheels”.
- It marked a unique use of railway infrastructure for mobile health—a global first in 1991.
- Featured in documentaries and educational programs about innovative healthcare.
Would you like a list of upcoming station stops or how to volunteer with the Lifeline Express?