CR plans deep drainage channels on Khopoli-Karjat stretch to prevent monsoon rockfalls

The Central Railway (CR) is taking measures to prevent landslides during the monsoon season. For this, a network of deep drainage channels will be constructed. The Central Railway is preparing to break up a portion of the flat plateau between Karjat-Khopoli.

Senior engineers of the Central Railway are studying the site. This site is located at an altitude of about 200 meters above the level of the railway track in the upper part of the plateau.

The Central Railway is studying the plan to build two to three large drains of about 200 to 300 meters long and 2 to 3 meters deep. This plateau is spread over about 8 to 10 square km.

On one side there are railway tracks and on the other side there are waterfalls that are a tourist attraction. According to officials, this will be the first time that such large drainage lines are being built on the top of the Sahyadri hills.

The purpose behind this is to safely carry rainwater and silt to the other side of the hill. So that the above cracks and small stones do not come on the railway track.

During heavy rains, water accumulates on the flat plateau and rushes down the slope, bringing mud, loose rocks and stones onto the tracks.

The Karjat-Khopoli-Lonavala Ghat section is one of the steepest railway slopes in the country. There have been about 30 landslides and rockfalls in the last four years.

The Central Railway has installed 60,000 square metres of Canadian fencing here. However, this measure seems to be insufficient.

Steel portals spread over a distance of more than 200 metres near the tunnel mouth act as shields.

Patrol teams in the hilly terrain, walking 6 to 8 km every day, are checking and searching for tunnels. They are clearing blocked waterways. However, railway officials say the danger remains.

Currently, access to the plateau is possible through a siding line. Beyond this is dense bush and forest department land. The Central Railway has formally sought permission from the Forest Department for the project.

The Railways has also tasked IIT Bombay to conduct a detailed third-party feasibility and geotechnical study.

Officials say the proposal is still at the planning stage and the final design will depend on environmental clearance and recommendations from the IIT.