As the monsoon is set to arrive in Konkan
region, Konkan Railway has completed planned safety works on its route from
Kolad (after Roha station of Central Railway) to Thokur (before Mangalore
station), and is geared up for the monsoon. Special attention has been paid to
water drain cleaning and inspection of cuttings. As a result of the large-scale
geo-safety works executed along the railway line in last 10 to 12 years, the
incidences of boulder fall and soil slip have significantly reduced, thus
ensuring safe running of trains. There has been no major disruption on account
of boulder fall during monsoon in last five years.
About 950 personnel will be patrolling the
Konkan Railway route from Kolad to Thokur during the monsoon. Vulnerable
locations will be patrolled round the clock and stationary watchmen will be
deployed for 24 hours at critical locations. Speed restrictions will be imposed
at vulnerable locations. Excavators have been kept ready at all nominated
points for quick movement in case of any emergency.
Instructions have also been issued to the
loco drivers to run the trains at a reduced speed of 40 kmph in case of heavy
rainfall when visibility is limited. Nominated trains passing by KR route
between Kolad and Thokur during the night will be foot-plated by
officers/supervisors during the monsoon. Self-propelled ARMVs (Accident Relief
Medical Van), with provision of operation theatre and emergency medical aid,
are kept ready at all the times at Ratnagiri and Verna (Goa) along with ART
(Accident Relief Train).
Mobile phones have been provided to loco
pilots, station masters and other field officials. Both loco pilots and guards
of trains have been provided with walkie-talkie sets. Every station on Konkan
Railway is equipped with 25-watt VHF base station. This enables wireless
communication between the train crew as well as train crew and station master.
Emergency Communication (EMC) sockets have been provided at an average distance
of one kilometre along the Konkan Railway route that enables the patrolmen,
watchmen and other field maintenance staff.