Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has set up a 24-hour Disaster Management Cell at its headquarters in Rail Sadan and at divisional offices in Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, and Sambalpur. This move aims to quickly restore train services and railway infrastructure impacted by the severe cyclonic storm 'Dana,' which is expected to reach the Odisha coast on October 24.
In anticipation of the storm, ECoR has also announced the cancellation of 198 trains over three days, from October 23 to 25.
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On Tuesday, General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal led a meeting to prepare for the cyclone. He instructed senior railway officials to take all necessary measures to ensure "Zero Risk to Passengers." Funkwal stressed the need for special teams to be deployed for the rapid restoration of tracks, signalling systems, and electrification to minimise disruption after the storm.
“ECoR has prioritised passenger safety by positioning specialised teams for the swift restoration of tracks, signalling systems, and electrification processes. In the event of power outages, diesel locomotives will be on standby to ensure continued train operations. Emergency Control Rooms are operational around the clock, equipped with satellite phones to maintain communication during the crisis,” informed ECoR sources.
Railway sources indicated that ECoR is closely monitoring conditions at all stations between Bhubaneswar and Visakhapatnam, especially since a red alert has been issued for coastal areas.
To protect railway infrastructure from heavy rain, ECoR will keep a close watch on bridges, tracks, yards, and signalling systems. They will also clear silt, vegetation, and other blockages from drainage systems. Patrolmen and watchmen will be assigned to monitor vulnerable locations.
“Patrolling of Railway tracks by Patrolmen has been planned during heavy rain. They observe danger or interruption if any and protect the trains and travelling passengers from any unusual occurrence. Stationary Patrolmen and Watchmen have also been deployed at vulnerable locations. Mobile Patrolmen have been deployed in vulnerable sections,” informed ECoR sources.
Sectional gangmen have been instructed to patrol the tracks in their areas during heavy rain to ensure safety and to monitor potential washouts or slips. ECoR has also stocked up on essential materials for cyclone preparedness, including boulders, sand, cinder, quarry dust, and ballast at designated locations.
Agency
Published: 23 Oct 2024, 08:35 am IST
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