Bhubaneswar: With heavy rainfall forecast across parts of Odisha, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has put its field staff on high alert and stepped up safety measures to ensure uninterrupted train operations during the monsoon. Railway authorities have directed patrolmen to intensify surveillance of tracks passing through low-lying and flood-prone areas, while keeping a close watch on bridges, soil erosion and boulders falling on tracks and, threatening train movement.Officials said special monsoon patrolling has been activated across vulnerable sections. Patrolmen and watchmen have been deployed at identified locations to monitor track conditions and immediately report any signs of danger. Sectional gangmen have also been instructed to undertake track inspections whenever heavy rain takes place to ensure safe passage of trains.The railway administration has taken a series of preventive steps to safeguard tracks, bridges, yards and signalling systems. These include desilting and clearing vegetation from side drains and catch-water drains to ensure smooth flow of rainwater. Waterways under railway bridges have also been cleaned of obstructions to prevent waterlogging and flooding.Special attention has been paid to signalling infrastructure, which can be affected during intense rainfall. Vulnerable locations prone to track circuit failures have been identified and attended to in advance, while joint inspections by engineering and signalling officials have been conducted. Axle counters have been installed in select waterlogging-prone areas to maintain reliable train operations.ECoR officials said arrangements have been made to prevent water stagnation on tracks and in station yards. Adequate stocks of monsoon reserve materials such as boulders, sand, ballast and quarry dust have been positioned at strategic locations for emergency use. Engineering relief vans and relieving girders are also being kept ready for rapid deployment if required.The railway zone is maintaining constant coordination with the India Meteorological Department and state authorities for real-time weather updates and information on release of water from reservoirs and dams. The East Coast Railway Control Office is monitoring vulnerable locations round-the-clock and remains in close touch with the Disaster Management Cell.
