Local people cutting down tree branches to clear the railway track at Areekkad in Kozhikode on May 27
| Photo Credit: K. Ragesh
The Railways have strengthened track patrolling initiatives in Kerala in the wake of isolated incidents in which the uprooted trees fell on tracks and interrupted the services for hours. Efforts are under way to identify risky locations and clear the dangerous avenue trees along the tracks.
The support of local administrators, the police and volunteers will be sought to check the safety hazards along the track and resolve it with skilled workers immediately. According to officials, a special squad is now working to quickly address issues related to track.
“We have already carried out a detailed safety review as part of our preparedness to meet the monsoon-related challenges. The loco pilots are all aware of the risk factors and will be cautious about the hazardous situations,” said a senior Railway official in Kozhikode. He said the support of Railway Protection Force and the Government Railway Police had been sought to ensure better coordination in the safety area.
Joint inspections by track and signalling officials are also being conducted frequently to ensure a safe journey. Areas vulnerable to water-logging have also been identified to maintain caution.
“The higher authorities have reviewed the safety measures at a national-level meeting recently giving specific instructions to different zones. Control room operations will be monitored round the clock for accurate updates,” said a senior officer with the Southern Railways.
He said the safety checks on various tunnels and bridges in different routes had already been completed following the national-level instructions.
Published – May 28, 2025 12:39 pm IST
