Mumbai, June 4: The Central Railway is gearing up for the monsoon season, ensuring safe and smooth rail services for passengers. Swapanil Neela, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), shared insights on the extensive preparations in place.
The railway faces three primary challenges during the monsoon. The first is waterlogging in Mumbai and suburban areas. The second involves landslides, falling rocks, and obstructions in the Ghats section. The third challenge pertains to issues arising from heavy rainfall in other parts of Maharashtra.
Neela noted that last year, the railway successfully navigated the monsoon without significant disruptions. During heavy rainfall on May 26, approximately 272 millimeters of rain fell, affecting operations temporarily near Chunabhatti station. However, services on the Harbour Line were adjusted for about eight to nine hours, with only minor disruptions elsewhere.
This year, the railway has identified 117 sensitive locations prone to waterlogging. Additional staff have been deployed at these sites, and high-capacity pumps have been installed. Over 210 pumps have been set up in the Mumbai division alone, with multiple pumps at some locations to expedite water removal during heavy rains.
Special engineering work has been completed at 18 critical sites deemed most vulnerable. At Chunabhatti station, tracks have been elevated by 70 to 75 millimeters to prevent water accumulation. Additionally, several bridges and drainage systems have been reinforced.
Improvements in micro-tunneling and drainage have been made between Thane and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. These enhancements will facilitate better water flow, preventing waterlogging in station areas or on tracks. Track lifting and realignment have also been completed in areas like Sion, Vikroli, Kanjurmarg, Kurla, and Tilak Nagar.
The railway has invested approximately 5.5 crore rupees in developing a large-scale pipeline and drainage network. Large pipelines with a diameter of one meter have been laid in several locations to ensure rapid water drainage, minimizing disruptions to train operations.
Regarding the Ghats section, Neela emphasized that safety measures have been continuously strengthened over the past three years. Previously, incidents of falling rocks and landslides were common during the monsoon. However, these risks have been significantly mitigated.
The railway has implemented extensive rock fall barriers, boulder netting, and boulder fencing. Boulder netting has been installed over an area of approximately 88,000 square meters, with rock fall barriers spanning 890 meters. Boulder fencing has also been established over 514 route kilometers.
Special measures have been taken to secure tunnels. Tunnel portals have been reinforced, and retaining walls have been constructed in various locations to prevent soil or rocks from reaching the tracks during rain. Boulder catching pits have also been created to trap falling rocks before they can reach the tracks.
The CPRO stated that these initiatives aim to provide passengers with safe travel without interruptions. The railway is committed to maintaining smooth train operations throughout this monsoon season.
Regarding the Matheran toy train, Neela explained that the Nerul-Matheran rail section is located in a hilly area with sharp turns and steep slopes. For safety reasons, train services from Nerul to Aman Lodge are temporarily suspended during the monsoon. However, limited services from Aman Lodge to Matheran will continue to facilitate local residents and tourists.
As heavy rainfall approaches, the railway will issue official notifications. Safety remains the top priority during the monsoon, and services will be adjusted according to weather conditions.
Neela expressed confidence that, like previous years, the Central Railway will successfully tackle the challenges posed by the monsoon, providing passengers with safe, smooth, and reliable rail services.
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