BELAGAVI
As the coast is witnessing stormy conditions and heavy rainfall with cyclone Tauktae wreaking havoc, the South Western Railway (SWR) under the directions of General Manager Gajanan Mallya has instructed all departmental heads to exercise measures to prevent loss to life and railway property, especially in the state of Goa.
He has instructed to reiterate safety instructions to all the frontline staff so that safe train operations are maintained.
The Disaster Control Cell at SWR Headquarters has been activated and an interdisciplinary team of officers from various departments are manning the cell and monitoring the evolving situation closely on a 24x7 basis. The weather bulletins issued from IMD are monitored and weather warnings are disseminated in a timely manner to stations to alert station masters, trackmen and other staff who have been sensitised to take all necessary precautions.
In the Hubballi division, both day and night monsoon patrolling has been stepped up in coastal and Braganza Ghat sections between Vasco-Kulem - Castle Rock section. Men are also deployed at stations to attend eventualities like landslides, tree and boulder falling.
“Earthmoving equipment (JCB, Hitachi) are kept ready for emergencies. One full rake Ballast train is kept at Londa station while released sleepers are kept available at various spots in Ghat Sections. Frontline teams of electrical technicians are also mobilised and are on alert in various sections of SWR zone,” Chief PRO Anish Hegde said.
Trains will be cancelled if necessary, to prevent loss to life and property, based on weather warning reports and the prevailing situation. Close liaison is being maintained with State Meteorological Department and adjoining Railway zones in managing the situation,” Hegde added.
