Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/railways-take-necessary-precautions-for-cyclone-ashani/articleshow/91447307.cms
Publisher: TOI
VISAKHAPATNAM: The East Coast Railways has geared up safety precautions and groundwork to face the challenges posed by cyclone Ashani.
With experience in past devastating cyclones, ECoR has planned for early restoration of train traffic and railway track, if affected by the cyclone or heavy rains.
Round the Clock Disaster Management Cell has been opened at ECoR headquarters at Rail Sadan and at divisional headquarters at Visakhapatnam, Khurda Road, and Sambalpur.
ECoR has already pressed special teams for early restoration of tracks, signalling systems, and electrification, and diesel locomotives have been kept in position for utilization during the failure of electricity. ECoR is keeping a watchful eye on all the stations in Howrah-Chennai mainline in its jurisdiction including branch lines.
The catchwater drains and side drains have been cleared of silt, vegetation, and other obstructions to ensure the free flow of rainwater. The waterways of bridges have been cleared of vegetation and other obstructions. Apart from this, action has been taken for trimming tree branches so that the effect of OHE (overhead electrical) can be avoided.
The Railway authorities are maintaining coordination with the state government officials at different levels. Full Supply Level (FSL) in case of canals and Danger Level (DL) in case of bridges have been painted with a bright red band across each pier adjacent to the abutment so as to be clearly visible to the patrolman, stationary watchman, and drivers.
Arrangements were made to stock sufficient quantities of track and bridge repair reserve materials such as boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, and ballast at identified locations. The Engineering relief vans and their equipment are kept ready. Bridge materials are kept in readiness so that they can be moved as per requirement. ECoR is in constant touch with India Meteorological Department (IMD) and getting weather alerts, the railway authorities said.
