Thiruvananthapuram : Southern Railway is implementing a series of measures to prevent signal failures during heavy rains, as the northern region of the state experiences significant rainfall, with more forecasted for the rest of the state. Officials from the Thiruvananthapuram division, which covers nearly half of the state, have intensified their inspections of tracks and circuits, pinpointed spots prone to signal failure, and cleaned drainage systems in railway yards. Additionally, they are monitoring train movements on stretches prone to waterlogging.
“The inspection of the railway track is undertaken by designated officials at a specified frequency,” said railway minister Ashwini Vaishnav, detailing the monsoon-time precautions, in a written reply in Lok Sabha. Beyond the regular maintenance schedule, yard drainage systems are being improved, and vulnerable track circuit locations are being addressed in advance. Joint inspections of points and track circuits by track and signalling officials are conducted and axle counters are installed in waterlogging-prone areas, he added.
Axle counters, which detect the number of train axles entering and leaving a specific track section, help determine the status of trains in affected areas. Eleven yards in the Thiruvananthapuram division have been equipped with axle counters alongside vulnerable track circuits. Special monsoon measures include the introduction of patrolling in identified sections, the deployment of watchmen at vulnerable locations, and the special patrolling of tracks during heavy rains.
A railway official said due to the intense rainfall, more or less, most signals are considered vulnerable. Signals at curves, inclines, or areas prone to waterlogging are given extra attention to prevent failures. “There are rules that staff must follow when handling signals and trains during the monsoon.
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