Robust Safety Measures, Enhanced Coordination and Proactive Monitoring in sensitive locations during monsoon.
Comprehensive Safety Drive Launched Across Rail Networks
As part of its annual monsoon preparedness exercise, Indian Railways has put in place a series of proactive and preemptive safety measures aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of its signalling system and safe train operations across flood-prone regions. Special emphasis has been laid on drainage management, patrolling, signalling checks and real-time coordination with weather and local authorities.
Extensive initiatives have also been taken to cope with the monsoon situation. Key Safety Measures Implemented during monsoon and to ensure the safe movement of trains during the monsoon season, Indian Railways has adopted the following measures:
Enhanced Drainage Management: Cleaning of yard drains and removal of obstructions from catch water drains and side drains to ensure smooth water flow.
- Track and Signal Reliability: Vulnerable locations identified for potential track circuit failures are addressed in advance. Joint inspections by track and signalling officials ensure timely remedial action.
- Axle Counter Installation: Deployment in water-logging-prone areas to maintain signalling integrity.
- Special Monsoon Patrolling: Patrolmen and watchmen deployed at high-risk areas. Sectional gangmen patrol during heavy rains to identify threats and protect trains.
East Coast Railway (ECoR) has also intensified its workforce and stepped up preparedness by implementing the following specific protocols in its jurisdiction. The key features are…
- Constant Vigil on Infrastructure: Close monitoring of railway bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems.
- Readiness of Emergency Materials: Sufficient stocks of boulders, ballast, sand, and other monsoon reserve materials are positioned at key locations. Engineering relief vans are kept ready.
- Flood and Water Management: Clearing of vegetation and debris from water ways of bridges; coordination with State Irrigation Departments ensures canal and tank maintenance.
- Disaster Response Protocols: The ECoR Control Office and Disaster Management Cell are on round-the-clock alert for real-time monitoring and quick response in flood-prone areas.
Apart from this, Indian Railways is in constant coordination with Regional Meteorological Centres for real-time weather alerts and with district authorities for timely updates on dam water releases. Precautionary steps are immediately activated upon weather warnings.
ECoR General Manager Shri Parmeshwar Funkwal has reviewed preparedness and round-the-clock alertness. All officials have been instructed to act swiftly in the event of any rain-induced incidents, ensuring passenger safety and uninterrupted rail operations.
Accordingly, all precautionary measures have been taken prior to onset of monsoon. The catch water drains and side drains have been cleared of silt, vegetation and other obstructions to ensure free flow of rain water. The water ways of bridges have been cleared of vegetation and other obstructions. Coordination meetings are being conducted with State Irrigation Dept Officials at different levels for proper maintenance of Railway-affecting Tanks & works. Protective and river draining works have been maintained in good condition and repairs carried out wherever necessary. Full Supply Level (FSL) in the case of canals and Danger Level (DL) in case of bridges have been painted with bright red band across each pier adjacent to the abutment so as to be clearly visible to the Patrolman, Stationery Watchman and Drivers.
In a proactive effort to ensure safety and minimize risks in vulnerable hill areas, ECoR has intensified its precautionary measures along critical rail routes like in KK (Kottavalasa-Kirandul) Line and in KR (Koraput-Rayagada) Line. Key interventions include the installation of protective netting along slopes to prevent landslides and rockfalls, regular geological inspections and the deployment of advanced monitoring systems to detect early signs of slope instability. Additionally, maintenance teams are on high alert during the monsoon season and emergency response protocols have been strengthened. These steps underscore the Railways’ commitment to safeguarding travel through challenging terrains.
With the onset of the monsoon, Indian Railways remains steadfast in its commitment ensuring passenger safety, maintaining operational efficiency and enhancing disaster preparedness. Through meticulous planning, proactive safety protocols and continuous coordination with meteorological and local government agencies, ECoR is well-equipped to manage monsoon-related challenges. These comprehensive efforts reinforce the organization’s readiness to deliver safe and uninterrupted train services across the nation, even in the face of adverse weather conditions.
