NEW DELHI: Concerned over improper maintenance of water bodies like canals, reservoirs and water tanks along railway tracks, Railways has written to all states asking to ensure regular inspection and upkeep as they pose massive threat to passenger safety.
According to railways, the water bodies along tracks are maintained by state governments and any failure on part of maintenance is likely to adversely impact the safety of railway lines due to sudden flow of water hitting railways bridge, embankment and damaging the railway line.
In order to ensure that all works related to maintenance of water bodies are taken with mutual knowledge and consent of the state government and railways, railways said in the past instructions were issued for setting up of a state committee of engineers in each state with representatives from both sides.
The state committee of engineers was expected to meet regularly and clear proposal for introduction of any new works and review upkeep and maintenance of the existing water bodies in vicinity of railway tracks known as ‘Railway Affecting Works’.
“However, it is noticed that the meetings of such committees are not being held regularly due to which there is likelihood of new railway works getting executed without the knowledge of the railways and existing maintenance work not done properly, thus endangering the safety of railway lines,” said A K Singhal, executive director, Railway Board in a communication to all states last week.
The railway board has also issued some instructions to states to be followed so that improper maintenance does not threat safety of passengers.
In case of excess release of water from water bodies along tracks or apprehended danger that might affect the safety of railway lines, immediate action should be taken by the concerned authority to advise railways authorities to enable them to take immediate precautionary and other measures to ensure safety of trains and to avoid accidents.
Others directions include regular monitoring and inspection of such works to ensure there is no possibility of breach and no new work and remodeling of existing should be undertaken by any party without prior approval from railways.