Udupi: A 13-year-old schoolboy who left a private boarding hostel in Udupi and travelled alone by train was safely traced and reunited with his family, thanks to the presence of mind and timely intervention of a Konkan Railway Head Ticket Examiner (TTE) in Karwar. The incident, which unfolded on Wednesday, highlighted the crucial role played by vigilant railway staff in ensuring the safety of minors travelling without supervision.
Boy found travelling alone in Mangaluru Express
According to railway officials, the incident came to light when Train No. 12133 Mangaluru Express arrived at Karwar railway station. Head TTE Raghavendra Shetty, who was on duty, noticed a young boy sitting alone and appearing anxious in coach S3. His body language, combined with the absence of guardians or luggage indicating a family trip, immediately drew Shetty’s attention.
When approached, the boy reportedly struggled to answer basic questions such as his destination, purpose of travel, or details about his family members. Sensing that the situation required closer scrutiny, Shetty checked the boy’s school bag to gather more information. Inside, he found a school identification card, which enabled him to contact the school authorities directly.
School confirms the boy had run away
Upon contacting the school administration, Shetty learned that the boy had run away from his boarding hostel earlier that day. The institution confirmed that the child was studying in Class 7 and lived with his mother, who works as a domestic worker to support his education.
School officials told railway authorities that they had already begun searching for him locally after discovering his absence from the hostel premises. The confirmation strengthened suspicions that the child had boarded the train without any clear plan or awareness of the risks involved.
Mother informed and child safeguarded
After receiving verified information from the school, Shetty immediately contacted the child’s mother, reassuring her that her son was safe. The mother, according to sources, had been extremely distressed upon learning that her son was missing. She expressed deep gratitude towards the Konkan Railway authorities for tracing him before he could travel further or encounter any harm.
Following standard procedure for unaccompanied minors, the boy was handed over to the Udupi Railway Police by the Karwar team. He was then taken to the Udupi Child Care Centre, where he received temporary shelter and support. Officials ensured that he remained under supervision until he could be safely reunited with his mother.
Konkan Railway honours TTE with cash reward
In recognition of his vigilance, professionalism and humane approach, Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL) Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha announced a cash reward of ₹5,000 for Head TTE Raghavendra Shetty.
A KRCL statement noted that Shetty’s timely action not only prevented a potentially dangerous situation but also demonstrated the vital role played by frontline railway staff in ensuring passenger safety—particularly of vulnerable individuals such as children and senior citizens.
Officials highlighted that such incidents underscore the importance of active monitoring and humane handling of unusual behaviour or travel patterns observed during routine checks. Railway staff are regularly trained to identify minors travelling alone, distressed passengers or any suspicious situation to ensure timely intervention.
Increasing incidents of runaway children a cause for concern
Authorities say that this incident is part of a growing trend of minors absconding from hostels or homes due to emotional distress, academic pressure, or personal conflicts. The quick tracing of the Udupi boy prevented him from potentially travelling hundreds of kilometres along the Konkan Railway route, where trains often traverse remote stretches between stations.
Child welfare officers emphasised the need for close communication between parents, schools and hostel authorities to address issues that may lead children to take drastic steps. They also praised the railway system’s sensitivity to such cases and the strong coordination between TTEs, RPF personnel and child protection units.
Conclusion
The incident concluded positively with the boy being reunited with his family, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance—both within households and within public transport systems. Thanks to the attentiveness of TTE Raghavendra Shetty and the support of Konkan Railway authorities, a potentially dangerous situation was averted, reaffirming public confidence in railway safety protocols.