Preparedness of Indian Railway for Monsoon Season Ministry of Railways has geared up its machinery to ensure safe railway operation during the current monsoon season. Railway Board has already sent instructions to all Zonal railways to do necessary preparedness and undertake appropriate precaution to ensure safe railway operation during the monsoon season. Zonal Railways at their own level have also prepared booklets of detailed guidelines for the concerned railway staff for the rainy season. In brief, following measures have been taken to ensure safe railway operations: - (i) Joint inspection of Railway affecting works (Canals, Tanks, Reservoirs etc.) with State Govt. officials and attention to deficiencies by State Governments. (ii) Identification of Vulnerable locations on the basis of past history and pre monsoon inspections. Stationary watchman are deputed at vulnerable bridges/locations. Patrolman deputed in vulnerable sections. (iii) Detailed Guidelines have been issued by the Zonal Railways for Monsoon Patrolling and protection of vulnerable bridges/locations. (iv) Adequate monsoon reserves such as Boulders, sand/quarry dust, relieving girders, wire net trungers etc. have been stacked at identified locations and also loaded in wagons for early restoration of the site in case of breaches/washouts etc. (v) In the event of abnormal rainfall or storm during day or night, the Railway officials (Mate) organise patrolling over the length affected. (vi) Arrangement made by Railway with the concerned Meteorological Centre for receipt of bad weather warnings covering heavy rainfall, high velocity winds, cyclone etc. (vii) Liaison has been maintained with local authorities for monitoring of excess release of water from reservoirs/Dams so that adequate protection of Railway structure could be taken without loss of time. (viii) Regular cleaning of catch water drains and side drains to ensure free flow and quick drainage of storm water. (ix) In hilly areas, where there is incidence of falling boulders, a survey is carried out to locate loose boulders. Such loose boulders are being dropped in a systematic manner. (x) Railway Officials inspect sections during monsoon by footplate/motor trolley etc. specially during period of Heavy rains/weather forecast.
