Western Railway (WR) and Central Railway (CR) have unveiled a series of innovative measures to ensure uninterrupted train services across Mumbai’s suburban network.Central Railway officials have rolled out a strategic initiative focused on safeguarding critical infrastructure during heavy rainfall. Key among these innovations is the introduction of point machine covers at 231 flood-prone locations across the CR network. These covers mitigate the risk of point machine failures during floods, a common occurrence that disrupts train operations. By automating the protection of point machines, CR aims to enhance operational reliability and efficiency during adverse weather conditions.
Explaining the significance of these measures, a CR official highlighted, “The implementation of point machine covers eliminates the need for manual interventions during flooding, thereby reducing operational downtime and ensuring smoother train movements across flood-prone areas.”
Meanwhile, Western Railway has introduced a state-of-the-art pulse radar-based water level monitoring system at sensitive bridges throughout Mumbai. This advanced system utilizes pulse radar technology integrated with intelligent field devices to monitor water levels in real-time. The data is transmitted every 15 minutes via GPRS to a centralized data centre linked to the Railway’s Bridge Management system. Officials receive instantaneous SMS alerts through the Railway IT app, enabling swift response to fluctuating water levels and potential flooding threats.
“This innovative monitoring system allows us to track river water levels remotely from any location with internet access,” stated a Western Railway representative. “The real-time insights provided by this technology equip our teams to proactively manage flood risks and maintain operational continuity during the monsoon.”
Both railways underscored their commitment to enhancing passenger safety and service reliability through these technological advancements. By integrating cutting-edge solutions into their monsoon preparedness strategies, WR and CR aim to set new benchmarks in urban railway management, ensuring commuters in Mumbai experience minimal disruption during inclement weather.
As Mumbai braces for the onset of heavy rains, these innovations mark a significant step forward in fortifying the city’s suburban railway network against the challenges posed by the monsoon season.
