CR takes up pre-monsoon works in ghat section

Nashik: The Central Railway has carried out several monsoon-related works in the ghat section between Kasara and Igatpuri stations to ensure uninterrupted train movement and avert mishaps during the rainy season.
“Several measures, including boulder netting to prevent boulder fall, Canadian fencing to arrest boulders/muck slides while allowing the water flow and extension of tunnel portal have been carried out in the Kasara ghat section.The number of pre-monsoon works have increased this year significantly to ensure safe train movement,” Swapnil Nila, chief public relations officer of the Central Railway, said.
The department has also fortified the railway tracks to avert any damage to life and property during the monsoon when heavy rain can lead to flash floods and landslides.
The officer said critical areas had been dealt with by the Railways by taking various steps during the three-year period in the past. “The works have been extended to several other areas as a cautionary measure to further reduce traffic disruption on the tracks,” the officer said.
The installation of nets to avert fall of boulders on the tracks has been carried out over more than 10,000sqm area. “Based on the survey and needs, the measures were planned and executed in consultation with the experts from IIT Mumbai and Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. The other works include construction of about 210 metres of Canadian fencing,” another senior railway officer said.
Generally, the face of the tunnel is the most dangerous spot given the limited visibility for the loco pilots. “For the protection of tunnels, a canopy has been constructed and extended as the case may be at the tunnels in the ghat. This not only ensures nothing blocks the path at the face of the tunnel but also allows the loco pilots enough time to take control of the situation in case of emergency,” the officer said.