Dr. Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya’s Train Heroics: How He Saved Lives

By: Vikram Last updated: September 3, 2023

The railways have always been symbolic of India’s progress, a testament to its engineering marvels, and a lifeline for its populace. But sometimes, stories from the tracks aren’t just about the destinations but the journey and the passengers onboard. One such intriguing story revolves around Dr. M. Visvesvaraya, the renowned engineer whose name echoes in the annals of India’s engineering history.

The story takes us back to the times when India was under British rule. Imagine a bustling railway station, steam engines chugging, and the air filled with a mix of hope, anticipation, and the British’s unmistakable dominance. On one of these trains, among the numerous English passengers, was a single Indian traveler – seemingly ordinary, dressed simply, and lost in his thoughts.

Mockery and Stereotypes

In the compartment filled mainly with British passengers, the lone Indian, because of his simple attire, became a subject of ridicule. It was assumed, perhaps because of the prevailing stereotypes of the era, that he was uneducated and naive. However, appearances can be deceptive. While they laughed and poked fun at him, this man remained deep in thought, undeterred by the surrounding mockery.

An Unexpected Turn

Suddenly, the ordinary man stood up and pulled the emergency chain, bringing the speeding train to an abrupt stop. Chaos ensued. Passengers were livid. Why would someone stop the train without a valid reason? But this man had sensed something amiss. He suspected that a section of the rail track ahead was damaged.

The Revelation

Upon inspection, his intuition was proved right. A significant portion of the railway track had been severely damaged, and had the train continued on its path, it could’ve led to a catastrophic accident. The passengers’ disbelief turned to admiration. Their mocking transformed into praise. They had been saved by the very man they ridiculed.

The Grand Unveiling

When asked about his identity, the humble man introduced himself as an engineer named Dr. M. Visvesvaraya. The compartment fell silent. By then, Dr. Visvesvaraya had already made significant contributions to engineering and was a recognized name in India.

Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya, India’s greatest achiever in civil engineering.

15th September is celebrated as Engineer’s Day in India in memory of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Remembering the legend this Engineers’ Day, 15th Sept. 2023