Margao: South Western Railway (SWR) has rolled out a comprehensive monsoon preparedness plan across its network, covering infrastructure reinforcement, real-time monitoring, and emergency response protocols to ensure uninterrupted train operations through the rainy season.On the infrastructure front, Water Level Monitoring Instruments (WLMIs) have been installed at 15 critical bridge locations identified on the basis of past flood history. These systems provide real-time water level data and generate automated daily SMS alerts to officials. 48 Road Under Bridges (RUBs) prone to waterlogging have been identified and equipped with desilting, flood gauge indicators, warning signage, and round-the-clock monitoring. Select RUBs are being covered by CCTV surveillance on a trial basis, along with real-time tracking.SWR’s Central Control Office at Hubballi has been designated to receive weather alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which are then relayed to field officials. Rainfall data from 52 gauge stations is being monitored daily. Monsoon reserve materials — including boulders and sandbags — have been positioned at seven key locations, with excavators and compressors kept on standby for emergency restoration work.Slope stability measures include soil nailing, boulder netting, turf reinforcement, tree branch trimming, and construction of retaining and gabion walls. Tunnel portal extensions have been carried out in vulnerable ghat sections to prevent debris from falling onto tracks. Drainage infrastructure, including side drains and catch-water drains, has been cleaned and cleared, a spokesperson said.Monsoon patrolling has been stepped up, with watchmen deployed at vulnerable spots. SWR has also conducted joint inspections of nearby water bodies with local authorities to guard against breaches or sudden water releases. Auxiliary Medical Relief Trains and Self-Propelled Accident Relief Trains, fully equipped for emergencies, have been strategically stationed across all divisions.
