Mumbai: Konkan Railway will deploy an Artificial Intelligence-based monitoring system to detect landslides, falling boulders and even animals on the tracks during the upcoming monsoon, as part of an extensive safety plan for the season. The railway has also completed a series of slope protection and emergency preparedness measures ahead of the monsoon timetable that comes into effect from June 15.As a pilot project, the railway has installed a Rail Track Monitoring and Alert System (RTMAS) outside the Dasgaon tunnel near Veer station. Developed by C-DAC, the real-time system can detect obstacles such as landslides, rockfalls, fallen trees and soil slips on the tracks and immediately alert the control room. It can also identify cattle and wild animals entering the railway corridor, enabling prompt action.Konkan Railway Chairman and Managing Director Santosh Kumar Jha said that if the pilot project proves successful, similar systems will be installed outside other important tunnels across the route.To minimise monsoon-related disruptions, the railway has completed slope stabilisation works, including soil nailing, rock bolting and shotcreting. Gabion walls, retaining walls, micropiles and boulder netting have also been installed at vulnerable locations, while drains and waterways have been cleaned and strengthened with concrete lining to ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Railway officials said no major disruption due to falling boulders was reported on the route over the past decade.The railway has deployed 657 trained personnel for round-the-clock patrolling at sensitive locations. BRN wagons equipped with excavation machinery have been stationed at Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavli and Verna, while maintenance vehicles have been positioned at Veer, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Rajapur Road, Kudal, Verna, Karwar, Bhatkal and Udupi. Tower wagons have also been kept ready for emergencies.A special monsoon timetable will remain in force from June 15 to Oct 20. During heavy rain or poor visibility, trains will operate at a maximum speed of 40 kmph. If water accumulation on the tracks exceeds 100 mm, train services will be suspended until conditions become safe.The railway has also activated automatic rain gauges at several locations and flood warning systems on the Ghod, Kali, Savitri and Vashishti rivers. Anemometers to monitor wind speed have been installed on major structures such as the Panval Viaduct, Mandovi Bridge, Zuari Bridge and Sharavati Bridge.Round-the-clock control rooms at Belapur, Ratnagiri and Madgaon will monitor operations throughout the monsoon. CCTV surveillance at 72 stations and regular coordination with the India Meteorological Department will help track weather conditions, while passengers can obtain updated train information through the railway’s website and the 139 helpline.
