Inspection of vulnerable railway sites during monsoon

Keenly watching the monsoon progress, railways have undertaken a series of steps including stepped up inspection at vulnerable sites, close coordination with local authorities and weather department to face any eventuality concerning train operation.
Close coordination has been maintained with local authorities for monitoring of excess release of water from dams/reservoirs situated near rail line so that adequate protection of railway structure could be taken on urgent basis, said a senior Railway Ministry official involved with monsoon preparedness.
He said arrangements have been made with concerned meteorological centres for receipt of bad weather warnings covering heavy rainfall and high velocity winds.

Issuing a detailed guidelines for monsoon patrolling and protection of vulnerable bridges/locations, steps have been taken for regular cleaning of catch water drains and side drains to ensure free flow and quick drainage of storm water.
Besides joint inspection of canals, water tanks, reservoirs with state government officials are being also carried out to know the prevailing ground situation.
He said vulnerable locations have been identified on the basis of past history and pre-monsoon inspections. "Watchmen are being deputed at vulnerable bridges, and patrolling is going on at vulnerable sections."
As a precautionary measure, adequate monsoon reserves such as boulders, sand/quarry dust, relieving girders have been stacked at identified locations and also loaded in wagons for early restoration of the site in case of breaches.

In the event of abnormal rainfall or storm during day or night, railway officials are told to organise patrolling of the vulnerable areas.