Chengannur/ Alappuzha: It was 6.38 pm on Monday when S Radhadevi, gatekeeper of Level Crossing Number 16 at Madathumpadi near Perissery, received a routine alert—the Nagercoil–Kottayam passenger train was on its way. As she stepped out of her cabin to close the gate, gusty winds and a light drizzle swept through the area.

Suddenly, a tree crashed down onto the overhead electric line, sparking a fire and sending up thick smoke. Without hesitation, Radhadevi rushed back to her cabin and called Chengannur railway station using the landline. Station Master P S Saji was on duty. She quickly informed him of the emergency and requested an immediate halt to the approaching train.

Acting promptly, Saji alerted the next level crossing at Puliyur. As a result of the timely coordination, the train was safely stopped before reaching the danger zone—averting a major mishap.

Soon after, E S Ananthu, a track maintainer from the Mavelikkara unit, arrived at the scene. After collecting contact details from Radhadevi, he relayed the information and proceeded toward the halted train, placing a detonator on the track to alert the loco pilot.

Radhadevi, a resident of Cheruvila Puthenveettil and a native of Perumon, Kollam, joined the Railways 11 years ago. She holds an M.Sc., a B.Ed., and has cleared the State Eligibility Test (SET). Before joining the Railways, she worked as a private school teacher.

Her husband, K Vijimon, works at Cochin Shipyard. The couple has two children—Anjana R Pillai and Arjun V Pillai.