13117 KOAA BPC EXPRES

SWR PREPARED FOR THE CYCLONE TAUKTAE

South Western Railway has made all out efforts for preparedness for Cyclone Tauktae. The coastal area of SWR may witness heavy rainfall. General Manager Shri Gajanan Mallya has instructed all Heads of Departments to take measures to prevent loss to life and railway property. He has instructed to reiterate safety instructions to all the frontline staff so that safe train operations are maintained.

The Disaster Control Cell at SWR Headquarters has been activated and an interdisciplinary team of Officers from various departments are manning the cell and monitoring the evolving situation closely o­n 24x7 basis. The weather bulletins issued from IMD are monitored and weather warnings are disseminated in a timely manner to Stations to alert Station Masters, Trackmen, Engg, Electrical & Signal/Telecom maintenance staff. All frontline staff have been alerted and sensitised to take all necessary precautions as per the Disaster Management Manual in anticipation of the heavy to very heavy rain owing to Cyclone Tauktae.

In Hubballi division both day and night monsoon patrolling has been stepped up in coastal & Ghat Section (Vasco da Gama, Kulem - Castle Rock) as per norms. Men are also deployed at stations to attend tree falling / earth / boulder fall at locations and clear the track immediately.

In the jurisdiction of SWR, all the bridges and susceptible locations are worked out by Engineering department & frequently being patrolled .Monsoon reserve wagons has been provided in Mysuru division with 33 wagons and 30 wagons in Hubballi division with boulders, sand etc.

Earth moving equipment (JCB, Hitachi) are kept ready for emergencies. o­ne full rake Ballast train is kept at Londa station. Released Sleepers are available at various spots in Ghat Sections.

Frontline teams of Electrical technicians is also mobilised and are o­n alert in various sections of SWR zone to attend OHE failures/snapping of electrical wires/poles due to gusty wind arising from the cyclone. Staff of Railway Protection Force, Trackmen of Engineering Department are o­n alert and are monitoring vulnerable locations in their sections.

Trains will be cancelled if necessary, to prevent loss to life & property, based o­n weather warning reports and the prevailing situation. Close liaison is being maintained with State Meteorological Department and adjoining Railway zones in managing the situation.