To minimise the impacts of heavy rainfall and improve safety of running trains, the East Coast Railways (ECoR) has geared up precautionary steps for the monsoon.
EcoR General Manager Rajiv Vishnoi directed the concerned officials to be on high alert for any possible incident caused by monsoon rain and flood situation near railway tracks. The catch water drains and side drains have been cleared of silt, vegetation and other obstructions to ensure free flow of rain water.
“Talks have been held with State Irrigation Department officials for proper maintenance of railway-affecting tanks and works. Protective and river training works have been maintained in good condition and repairs carried out wherever necessary. Besides, arrangements have been made not to allow water to stagnate on the track,” said an ECoR official.
Patrolling of railway tracks during monsoon has also been planned up. Stationery patrolmen and watchmen and mobile patrolmen have been deployed at vulnerable locations. Besides, arrangements have been made to stock sufficient quantities of monsoon reserve materials like boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, ballast at identified locations. The engineering relief vans and their equipments are also kept ready. The EcoR Control Office is keeping close liaison with the Meteorological Department, Disaster Management Cell and staff deputed at flood-prone areas for continuous monitoring and constant updates, the official added.