Bhubaneswar: East Coast Railway has done preparations and ground work to meet the challenges posed by Cyclone ASHANI. Taking advantage of the meteorological forecasts and also the experiences of devastation to Railway property in FANI in 2019, Titli in 2018, Hudhud in 2014, Phailin in 2013, Amphan in 2020 & Super Cyclone of 1999, ECoR has planned for early restoration of train traffic and railway track, if affected by cyclone or heavy rain in view of cyclone. Round the Clock Disaster Management Cell has been opened at ECoR HQs at Rail Sadan and at Divisional Headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road and Sambalpur.
ECoR has also taken steps on positioning of Special Teams for early restoration of tracks, signaling system and electrification etc. Diesel locomotives have been kept in position for utilization during failure of electricity. ECoR is keeping watchful eye at all the stations in Howrah-Chennai Main Line in its jurisdiction including Branch Lines.
General Manager (I/C), East Coast Railway has directed the concerned officials to be on full alert towards any incident like flood situation near Railway Track and to ensure smooth train operations.
Accordingly, all precautionary measures have been taken. The catch water drains and side drains have been cleared of silt, vegetation and other obstructions to ensure free flow of rain water. The water ways of bridges have been cleared of vegetation and other obstructions. Apart from this, action has been taken for trimming of tree branches so that effect on OHE can be avoided.
Close coordination is being maintained with State Govt. officials at different levels. Full Supply Level (FSL) in case of canals & Danger Level (DL) in case of bridges have been painted with bright red band across each pier adjacent to the abutment so as to be clearly visible to the Patrolman, Stationary Watchman and Drivers.
Arrangements have been made not to allow water to stagnate on the track. In station yards, the cross drains and longitudinal drains have been cleared/provided proper grades.
Patrolling of Railway tracks by Patrolmen has also been planned. They observe danger or interruption if any and protect the trains from any unusual occurrence. Stationary Patrolmen and Watchmen along with mobile Patrolmen have been deployed in vulnerable sections.
Instructions have been issued that whenever there is heavy rain, the sectional Gangmen will organize patrolling of track to make sure that the track is safe for passage of trains and ensure protection at all locations where washouts/slips are likely to occur.
Arrangements have been made to stock sufficient quantities of track & bridge repair reserve materials, viz., boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, ballast at identified locations. The Engineering relief vans and their equipments are kept ready. Bridge materials are kept in readiness so that they can be moved as per requirement. ECoR is in constant touch with India Meteorological Department and getting weather alerts.
