Railways Prepares Action Plan, Gears Up To Handle Cyclonic Storm 'Biparjoy'

In the wake of the cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' over the East Central Arabian Sea, the Indian Railways has geared up with precautionary measures and an action plan has been firmed up to handle the situation.

As per the weather bulletin, the extremely severe cyclonic storm 'Biparjoy' over East Central Arabian sea is moving and may affect Saurashtra and Kutch Areas.

The storm is expected to affect Saurashtra and Kutch areas. The vulnerable sections include Bhavnagar, Mahuva, Veraval to Porbandar area, Okha to Hapa and Gandhidham area. The landfall is predicted to occur near Mandvi-Jakhau Port on the evening of 14 June.

Indian Railways has implemented various measures to ensure safety and minimise the impact of the cyclone — which include activation of Disaster Management Room at the Zonal Railway headquarters and round-the-clock manning by various departments.

According to the Railways, all station platform shelters have been secured appropriately. The wind velocity is being measured and monitored on an hourly basis in order to impose traffic restrictions for movement on bridges (maximum wind speed of 60 Kmph). Monsoon precautions shall also be implemented fully.

The Railways has instructed for identification and cutting of vulnerable trees near the track. Operation of emergency control rooms have been set up at division headquarters in Bhavnagar, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, and Gandhidham.

Regular monitoring of wind speed is being done at multiple locations and instructions have been given to regulate or stop trains if wind velocity exceeds 50 kmph. Anemometers have been installed at stations and reading of wind speed is being taken on hourly basis.

Formation of online groups for real-time monitoring and co-ordination and continuous monitoring of cyclone-related information is being done on mausam.imd.gov.in website.

The Railways has ensured availability of sufficient diesel locomotives and coaching rakes for emergency evacuation.

Review of passenger train schedules and necessary decisions based on the cyclone situation, readiness of a relief train, counselling of loco pilots and assistant loco pilots regarding safety protocols during cyclone/storm conditions etc are steps being taken by the national transporter.

According to the Railways, all the necessary arrangements (food, medical etc) have been done at various running rooms meant for crew rest. Instructions to keep doors and windows of coaches open for the free passage of wind.

Intensive footplate inspections have been conducted for close monitoring. Arrangements have been made for the availability of fully fueled diesel locomotives and filled fuel tanks for normal operations after cyclone, in case road infrastructure for fuel movement is hampered.

Alternate communication arrangements such as emergency control room including satellite phones, and DoT phones are arranged in case of communication failure.

Alternate Power Arrangements And Manpower:

• If Power grid supply is disturbed, then train services will run on diesel traction.

• On power supply failure at junction stations, control rooms and major colonies, pumps etc., power supply will be given through DG sets.

• Arrangements for reserve material, machinery and man power has been done with station wise details of all critical materials such as rubble, ballast, quarry dust and quarry dust on ground as well as on wheels has been prepared.

• Loading of material in wagons has been organised and loading shall be continued at night.

• Poclain, JCB Machines etc have been hired and arrangements for the stay of drivers have been made.

• The details of agencies having heavy earth moving machinery, trucks, ropes, chain saw, dewatering pumps, pick up vans etc has been assessed and they have been put on alert.

• Mobilisation of manpower, both departmental and contractual has been done.

• Three teams have been formed at Dwarika, Jamnagar and Surendranagar stations comprising of supervisors of various branches for better co-ordination.

Monitoring Of Track And Bridges:

• The patrolling of track and bridges is being done on a continuous basis. Special instructions for safety, including Level Crossing boom closure and withdrawal of staff from LCs functioning from porta cabins have been issued.

• Monitoring and inspection of OHE and transmission lines, liaison with electricity authorities, and provision of standby power devices.

• Satellite phones and walkie talkie sets in accident relief trains/accident relief medical equipment at strategic locations have been arranged. All staff members have been strictly directed to use personal protection equipments like helmets, shoes etc.

• RPSF Company from nearby divisions have been deployed at the cyclone prone region to meet the emergency situation.

• Officials have been advised to coordinate with, GRP, City police, Civil authorities, SDRF and NDRF in view of the cyclone and to take necessary assistance in case of emergency.

Arrangements For Stranded Passengers:

• Catering stalls will remain open during cyclone affected period with sufficient stock of water and food.

• Regular announcements will be made regarding the status of cyclone to alert passengers.

• Help Desks are opened at various stations in the cyclone prone areas.

• Tie up with the state transport services for shifting of passengers to their destination in case of need.

Medical Preparedness:

• Ambulances and sufficient medicines are kept ready at hospitals and health units.

• Medical state authorities, railway medical teams and empaneled hospitals in the cyclone area are in contact to shift patients if needed.

• Gujarat state ambulance toll free number 108 has been alerted. All doctors and paramedical staff are also on alert in Gujarat and Mumbai.