Strengthening Rail Safety: In a significant move to enhance railway safety and to facilitate increased train speeds, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has initiated safety fencing projects in various railway sections across its jurisdiction.
A total of 2792 kms of safety fencing works at a cost of ₹865 Crores along Railway Tracks over ECoR has been undertaken to enhance safety. These works aim to ensure Safe Train Operations, Prevent Unauthorized Trespassing, and Restrict the Movement of Cattle and Wild Animals near Railway Tracks. By implementing these measures, ECoR is reinforcing its commitment to providing a secure and efficient railway network. Apart from this, ₹207 Crores is under sanction for Track Safety Fencing Works between Titilagarh & Lakholi and between Balangir-Theruvali-Singapur Road Rail Sections.
Status of Safety Fencing Works in ECoR
Khurda Road Division:
388.85 Crores has been sanctioned for Track Safety Fencing Works for 1025.3 KMs stretch that include 797.3 kms in Bhadrak-Palasa & Khurda Road-Puri Rail Line Sections and 228 Kms in Nergundi-Kerajang Rail Sections.
In the next phase, a proposal is in place for safety fencing in the Jakhapura-Kendujhargarh-Nayagarh Railway Section and other sensitive locations over Khurda Road Railway Division.
Sambalpur Division:
288.045 Crores has been sanctioned for Track Safety Fencing Works for 468.23 KMs stretch that include 124.15 kms in Sarla Road-Balangir Rail Line Section and 344.08 kms in Jharsuguda Road-Sambalpur City-Kerajanga Rail Section out of total 830 Kms stretch of Rail Line. The contract for this work is under finalization. Apart from this, 188.89 kms between Balangir-Theruvali-Singapur Road is under sanction and 172.781Kms is under proposed between Titilagarh & Lakholi.
Waltair Division (600 km)
₹187.19 Crores has been sanctioned for 600 Kms stretch Rail Line in Palasa-Visakhapatnam-Duvvada & Vizianagaram-Singapur Road Rail Sections.
Implementation and Benefits
• Fixed Knot Fencing and Double W Metal Beam Crash Barriers are being installed to enhance safety.
• Safety fencing will facilitate train operations at speeds of 130 kmph and beyond in multiple sections.
• This initiative will prevent unauthorized trespassing and restrict cattle and wild animal entry onto railway tracks.
• It will also seal access at level crossings, ROBs, RUBs and Bridges, ensuring smooth train movement and improved safety measures.
Work has already commenced on two pilot sections near Bhubaneswar and Palasa Railway Stations, along with the Brahmapur-Golanthara Rail Section and in some sensitive locations over Sambalpur Division. As of now, 30 kms of fencing has been completed. To ensure efficiency and minimize disruptions, the Ministry has decided to construct boundary walls closer to the tracks while maintaining necessary access for maintenance and future expansion. This location has been identified for fencing as the bank height is almost at rail level and where cattle are frequently crossing the track.
The Ministry remains committed to advancing railway safety and infrastructure to meet the evolving demands of modern train travel in India. This safety fencing initiative marks a significant milestone in ensuring a safer and more efficient railway network.
