In a proactive effort to ensure safe and uninterrupted train operations during the upcoming monsoon season, Western Railway (WR) has undertaken extensive monsoon preparedness activities across its Mumbai suburban network. These comprehensive measures are aimed at minimising disruptions and ensuring passenger safety during periods of heavy rainfall. It is worthwhile to mention that WR’s initiatives for monsoon preparedness and mitigation helped in ensuring that no extended waterlogging or flooding occurred at any location across Mumbai suburban area during the last two years and WR achieved the remarkable feat of no major service disruptions due to monsoon during the last two years.
According to a press release issued by Chief Public Relations Officer of WR, Vineet Abhishek, a series of focused actions have been undertaken on mission mode to ensure uninterrupted train services during the upcoming monsoon season. Major activities such as cleaning and desilting of culverts, nullahs and drains, removal of muck and garbage alongside railway tracks, construction of new drainage systems, installation of additional dewatering pumps and tree trimming activities have been undertaken.
WR has prepared a comprehensive action plan for monsoon operations encompassing preventive measures, contingency planning and technological interventions to minimise disruptions and safeguard railway infrastructure.
Following major initiatives undertaken by WR:
•Comprehensive Drainage Works: A total of 58 culverts and bridge waterways have been identified for cleaning works, out of which 90% work has already been completed. Similarly, desilting and cleaning of around 60 km of drains is being undertaken, with more than 50 km work completed so far. Additionally, new drains and manholes have been constructed at vulnerable locations for smooth water discharge.
• Flood Mitigation Measures: A total of 126 high-capacity dewatering pumps have been installed at vulnerable locations across the suburban section, representing an increase of around 10% over the previous year. Spare pumps have also been strategically positioned at maintenance stores for emergency deployment.
• Flood Gauges and Rain Monitoring: To facilitate real-time monitoring, 40 flood gauges and 6 Automated Digital Rain Gauges (ARG) have been installed at strategic locations to provide accurate rainfall and water-level information.
• Advanced Water Level Monitoring: To obtain real-time and authentic water-level information at vulnerable bridges, Western Railway has deployed SCADA-based Water Level Monitoring Devices at critical locations across the Mumbai suburban section for continuous monitoring and timely alerts.
• Muck Cleaning Operations: Since last monsoon, around 480 trips of Muck Special trains have been completed for cleaning muck, garbage and released earth from the suburban section. The work is being carried out using Muck Special wagons, JCBs, Poclain machines and labour support. This initiative helps in ensuring smooth discharge of rainwater during monsoon.
• Deployment of Modern Technologies: Drones and floater camera drones are being deployed for surveying and monitoring the cleaning of culverts and nallahs. Specialized Suction and De-sludging machines are also being used for deep cleaning at identified locations.
• Micro-Tunneling and Additional Waterways: To augment storm-water discharge capacity, micro-tunneling works involving 1200 mm and 1800 mm diameter pipes are being undertaken. The number of micro-tunnel pipe openings between Churchgate–Virar section has increased to 19 locations, significantly enhancing water discharge capacity.
• Track Safety and Vulnerable Location Management: Vulnerable and flood-prone locations across the suburban section have been identified and location-specific corrective measures including track lifting and provision of additional drainage arrangements has been undertaken. The number of dewatering pumps has been increased by 10%.
• Tree Management: Tree trimming and removal activities are being carried out at locations close to tracks to avoid obstruction and ensure safe train movement during strong winds and rains.
• Joint Coordination and Inspections: Western Railway has undertaken joint inspections with BMC, MBMC and VVCMC for reviewing monsoon preparedness and railway affecting works. Protection structures including guide bunds and overflow channels at Powai Lake, Vihar Lake, Tulsi Lake and Pelhar Dam have also been jointly inspected and found safe.
• Patrolling and Monsoon Reserves: Patrol charts have been issued and monsoon patrolmen, bridge guards and watchmen are being deployed across vulnerable locations. Adequate monsoon reserve materials including rubble, quarry dust and other emergency materials have been stocked at Virar Quarry.
Western Railway has also taken focused action at previously vulnerable locations such as Matunga Road and Vasai Road, where issues related to drainage, track levels and storm-water discharge have been addressed through track lifting, additional drainage arrangements and installation of high-capacity pumps.
These proactive and technology-driven measures reflect Western Railway’s continued commitment towards passenger safety, operational reliability and ensuring seamless train services throughout the monsoon season.
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