In a proactive move to ensure seamless operations during the upcoming monsoon season, Western Railway (WR) has successfully completed a host of critical monsoon preparedness activities across its Mumbai suburban network. These extensive measures aim to minimize disruptions and ensure passenger safety during heavy rains. It is worthwhile to mention that in 2024, Western Railway’s initiatives for monsoon preparedness and mitigation helped in ensuring that no extended waterlogging or flooding occurred at any location across Mumbai Suburban section and achieved the remarkable feat of no service disruptions due to monsoon last year.
According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, a series of targeted actions were undertaken on a mission mode to ensure uninterrupted train services during the upcoming monsoon season. Key activities such as cleaning and desilting of culverts, nullahs, and drains, removal of muck and garbage along the tracks, construction of additional waterways, installation of high-capacity pumps, and trimming of trees have been executed with precision and urgency. Western Railway’s Mumbai Central Division has compiled a dedicated Monsoon Precaution Booklet, which provides a detailed action plan for the staff. This plan encompasses a range of measures designed to mitigate disruptions, minimise damage to railway assets and keep passengers informed. The detailed plan serves as a vital guide for all the staff involved.
In addition to these measures, Western Railway has also focused on infrastructure maintenance and upgradation, particularly in the field of signalling and telecommunications. Vineet elaborated on the following key steps taken:
- Comprehensive Drainage Works: A total of 58 culverts and more than 55 km of drains have been desilted and cleaned. Additionally, 3 km of new drainage lines and new manholes have been constructed in the past year to facilitate smooth water discharge in railway yards.
- Retaining wall of 4.5 km length has been constructed in Vasai-Virar section for track protection from flooding.
- Muck Cleaning: WR deployed Muck Special train for cleaning of muck/garbage/earth on the Suburban section. Approx. 480 trips of Muck Special trains were operated. This work was carried out by deploying Muck Special wagons, JCB, Poclain and labours to fill up and empty the muck filled bags. This work will help in smooth discharge of water.
- Flood Mitigation: 104 high-capacity dewatering pumps have been installed at vulnerable locations to prevent waterlogging. Pumping capacity has been increased by 10% as compared to last year. Additional pipe openings has been carried out with micro - tunneling method in Goregaon - Malad section, Prabhadevi -Matunga section and at Borivali and Virar stations.
- Flood gauges installed at 36 strategic locations.
- Tree Management: To avoid track obstructions, 36 trees (within 4 meters of tracks) have been trimmed or removed.
- Track and Structure Safety: Vulnerable spots prone to flooding were identified and attended, while low-lying tracks have been lifted to reduce flood risks. In order to have real-time and authentic water-level of vulnerable bridges, SCADA-based (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) Water Level Monitoring Devices have been installed on four key bridges (Bridges 20, 66, 72, and 76). These devices send SMS regarding water level to all concerned every 12 hrs and whenever water reaches danger level.
- Collaborative Inspections: Joint inspections have been carried out with BMC, MBMC and VVCMC for review of monsoon preparations.
- Advanced Monitoring & Surveys: Drone surveys have been conducted in flood-prone areas. 5 Automated Digital Rain Gauges (ARG) have been installed which enables to provide real-time, accurate rainfall data. Drones are also being used to survey and monitor cleaning of nallahs in Jogeshwari - Virar section.
- Deployment of Technology: Floater cameras and drones are being used to monitor culvert cleaning and ensure effective execution of monsoon works. Specialized Suction & De-sludging machine to ensure deep cleaning of culverts at identified locations.
- Readiness of Workforce and Reserves: Monsoon patrolling will be undertaken by trained patrolmen and bridge guards. Monsoon reserves, including boulders and quarry dust, have been stocked adequately at Virar.
WR has also identified problematic locations from previous years and taken targeted actions to mitigate risks in those areas. In the last 5 years, Micro-tunneling has been carried at 15 locations. The issuance of updated patrolling charts, counselling of monsoon staff and deployment of modern technological interventions further reinforces WR’s commitment to maintaining uninterrupted train services during the rains. These proactive steps reflect Western Railway’s unwavering commitment to passenger safety, operational reliability, and efficient service during the challenging monsoon months.
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