In order to keep the wheels of local trains running, Western Railway has started its monsoon preparations. These preparations are being done to ensure uninterrupted services during the ensuing monsoon. These preparations include cleaning of culverts, desilting of side drains, installations of pumps, special maintenance of infrastructure etc.
Analysis of Rainfall and Flood prone areas:
Western Railway did not face a single incident of disruption of traffic during monsoon for the last 2-3 years. This year before starting the preparations, Western Railway has done the analysis of the rainfall of the last 3 years as also identifying the flood prone areas. on the basis of this analysis, more attention will be paid to certain sections which are found to be flood prone such as Marine Lines, Charni Road-Grant Road, Mumbai Central, Elphinstone Road, Dadar, Mahim, Andheri-Jogeshwari and Nalasopara-Virar. An analysis of rainfall has also been done in the areas in the last 3 years.
Western Railway has also come up with the time table showing the dates of high tides of more than 4.5 metres during monsoon 2012. This will help in taking necessary precautions when required most.
Special Pre-monsoon Action:
ØLifting of tracks in low line areas such as Nalasopara, Vasai Road, Kandivali, Malad, Goregaon, Bandra (East), etc.
ØDesilting and cleaning of all 43 culverts is being done with the funds provided by the BMC. This work will be completed in three phases. The first phase will be completed by 31st May, 2012 followed by second and third round after necessary inspections and based on the requirement. Some major culverts will be cleaned by the BMC. BMC has so far given Rs.20 lakhs out of the total Rs.36.88 lakhs .
ØWR will install 52 diesel pumps at vulnerable low lying locations such as Mumbai Central, Dadar, Matunga Road, Mahim, Andheri, Nalasopara, Virar etc. Out these 52 pumps, 40 pumps will be of 20 HP while 4 pumps will be of 32 HP.
ØWR has also undertaken the work of disilting of side drains. This work will be completed by 31st May, 2012. After reviewing the position, this work may again be undertaken in June-July and August, 2012 as per requirement.
ØWR has also undertaken the precautionary work at service buildings as well as electrical and signaling/telecommunication installations. It includes cleaning of terraces and roof gutters, cleaning underground drains etc.
ØIn order to ensure smooth running of trains during monsoon, special attention is being given to the maintenance of OHE. It includes cleaning of insulators, checking of protective screens on FOB/ROB, protection of catenary wires and earthing.
Other Actions:
ØWR will come up with a monsoon booklet and pocket diary for its officers and supervisors in the fourth week of May, 2012. This booklet will not only mention the flood prone areas and important dates of high tides but also the course of action to be taken during such situations. It will also have the telephone numbers of official dealing with disaster management and important telephone numbers of railway and civil officials such as BMC, Weather Bureau etc.
ØProvision of mobile phones and walky talky to the staff.
ØRunning of muck specials to clear the muck and garbage, as and when required.
ØRound the clock monitoring during heavy rains by deputing officers/ supervisors at vulnerable locations.
Coordination with BMC:
Joint inspections of Railway and BMC officials have already been started and the first round will be completed by 31st May, 2012. It also includes provision of pumps by BMC at locations where the blockage in the drainage is likely. Last year, BMC provided pumps at Churchgate.
WR has undertaken the work of trimming of trees in its areas. However, there are some locations where there are some trees in the private areas adjacent to the Railway lines, which need trimming or pruning. Such issues will be taken care of with the help of BMC.
