East Coast Railway braces up to deal with Odisha flood situation

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Aug 5:

In order to minimize the effects of heavy rainfall and improve safety of the trains running in Odisha, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has decided to take all precautionary measures  to ward off the possible threats.

The catch-water drains and side drains along the tracks have been cleared of silt, vegetation and other obstructions to ensure free flow of rain water while a similar operation has been undertaken with regard to the waterways of the railway bridges.

Apart from this, protective and river training works have been maintained in good condition and repairs carried out wherever necessary. Full supply level (FSL) in the case of canals, and danger level (DL) in case of bridges have been painted with bright red band across each pair adjacent to the abutment so as to be clearly visible to the patrolmen, stationary watchmen 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 to proper grades.

Patrolling of railway tracks is being done by patrolmen. They observe danger or interruption if any, and protect the trains and travelling passengers from any unusual occurrence.

The stationary patrolman and watchman have been deployed at vulnerable locations while the mobile patrolmen have been deployed at vulnerable sections.

Arrangements have been made to stock sufficient quantities of boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, ballast at identified locations. The cc cribs (high grade steel) and relieving girders are kept in readiness so that they can be moved as per requirement.

Apart from this, ECoR is in constant touch with Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) for latest weather updates and has kept its officers, supervisors and staff on alert to meet any emergency, an ECoR release said today.