Konkan Railway put on alert for the monsoon Season

Konkan Railway which run along the Western Ghats has undertaken a comprehensive range of measures to ensure the safe and smooth operation of trains during the South West monsoon season from June to October. The railway has implemented various initiatives to minimize disruptions caused by heavy rainfall and prioritize passenger safety.

Over the years, Konkan Railway has executed extensive geo-safety works along the railway line, significantly reducing occurrences of boulder fall and soil slip. The railway continues to emphasize catch water drain cleaning and inspection of cuttings to maintain a high level of safety.

 Konkan Railway will conduct Monsoon Patrolling with approximately 673 personnel deployed along the route to ensure continuous monitoring of the railway tracks and signaling equipment. Vulnerable locations have been identified and will be patrolled round the clock, with stationary watchmen stationed for 24-hour surveillance. Speed restrictions will be imposed at sensitive locations.

In situations where heavy rainfall affects visibility, loco pilots have been instructed to reduce train speeds to 40 kmph as a precautionary measure. Self-propelled medical trains equipped with Operation Theaters and emergency medical aid are stationed at Ratnagiri and Verna in the Mumbai Goa railway route. An Accident Relief Train (ART) is prepared and ready at Verna to provide assistance if needed.

Konkan Railway has implemented a comprehensive communication system to ensure effective coordination between staff members. Safety category personnel have been provided with mobile phones to contact the control office or station during emergencies. Loco Pilots and Guards are equipped with Walkie-talkie sets, and each station along the Konkan Railway route is equipped with a 25 Watt VHF base station, enabling wireless communication between train crews and station masters.

Konkan Railway has also enhanced signal visibility by replacing all main signal aspects with LEDs, improving visibility for train operators. Moreover, self-recording rain gauges have been installed at nine stations to record rainfall and alert officials in case of increased precipitation. Flood warning systems for bridges have been implemented at three locations to promptly notify officials if water flow reaches dangerous levels.

Control rooms at Belapur, Ratnagiri, and Madgaon will operate 24/7 during the monsoon period to monitor the situation and ensure the safe running of trains