Bengaluru, August 2, 2025: In a historic moment for Karnataka, a liver was successfully transported across Bengaluru via the Namma Metro, traversing 31 kilometers from Whitefield to SPARSH Hospital in RR Nagar in a swift 55 minutes. This remarkable feat transformed the city’s Metro system into a temporary emergency medical corridor, offering a lifeline to a young patient facing severe liver failure due to hepatitis. The vital organ, generously donated by the family of a 24-year-old accident victim, was urgently required for a critical transplant. Recognizing the potential delay caused by the city's infamous Friday evening traffic, SPARSH Hospital, in collaboration with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the local authorities, devised a groundbreaking approach. The hospital utilized the Metro as a green corridor, reserving the last coach of a regular service train for the organ transfer. Equipped with security escorts, the transit proceeded without any hitches.
The journey, which typically takes over three hours by road, was significantly expedited thanks to this innovative method. Additionally, green corridors were established on the 5.5-kilometer road segment leading to Whitefield Metro Station and the 2.5-kilometer stretch from RR Nagar Metro to SPARSH Hospital. This coordinated effort exemplified the potential of public infrastructure in emergency medical services, showcasing a new dimension of Bengaluru’s Metro system as it played a pivotal role in saving a life.
A Race Against Time
Dr. Mahesh Gopasetty, Head of Department and Senior Consultant for Liver Transplant and Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery at SPARSH Hospital in RR Nagar, underscored the vital importance of speed in a recent organ transplant scenario. "The situation was highly time-sensitive," Dr. Gopasetty stated, "Using the Metro was the quickest and most reliable means of transport to prevent the organ from deteriorating due to potential traffic delays." The hospital received invaluable support from the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the state's SOTTO (State Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization) Karnataka, which facilitated the swift transportation of the organ.
The liver transplant operation, which commenced during the night hours, was completed successfully at 3:00 AM. The fortunate recipient, a young male patient who had been awaiting a donor for over two months, is now in stable condition in the Intensive Care Unit, receiving post-surgical care. This successful endeavor exemplifies the critical role that efficient coordination and advanced medical facilities play in saving lives. The hospital and medical team expressed their profound appreciation to the BMRCL and SOTTO Karnataka for their swift and decisive intervention that made the difference in this life-saving endeavor.
A Triumph of Collaboration
The operation involved a meticulously coordinated effort between SPARSH Hospital, SOTTO Karnataka, and BMRCL officials, with key figures such as Director Mr. Sumit Bhatnagar and Operations Head Mr. Ranappa playing pivotal roles. To facilitate the process, the entire security team of the Purple Line secured a passenger-free last coach and reserved elevators and lifts for unobstructed movement of medical staff and equipment.
Speaking on this significant event, Col. Rahul Tewari, Cluster COO at Sparsh Hospitals, referred to it as "more than a medical milestone," emphasizing the collaborative nature of the endeavor. "This is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a city's civic systems and medical expertise come together for a common cause," he said, highlighting the importance of organ donation awareness.
Dr. Gopasetty also commented on the successful operation, praising the convergence of medical science, civic infrastructure, and human compassion. "This case exemplifies how these elements can work together to save lives," Dr. Gopasetty noted, adding, "Organ donation is a silent revolution in healthcare that requires greater public awareness to fully realize its potential."
The successful undertaking underscores the urgent necessity for increased advocacy and public awareness regarding organ donation. Experts are now calling for a concerted effort to bridge the gap between potential donors and recipients, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of this lifesaving practice.
Keywords: organ transplant, liver transplant, Bengaluru Metro, SPARSH Hospital, Namma Metro, organ donation, green corridor, Karnataka, liver failure, SOTTO Karnataka, transplant surgery, Metro transport, healthcare, Bengaluru traffic