Mumbai: In a proactive approach to tackle the monsoon season, Western Railway and Central Railway have introduced multiple innovations aimed at ensuring seamless train services. These advancements include a pulse radar-based water monitoring system for vulnerable bridges, remote-operated floater cameras for inspecting culverts and bridges, and specialised point machine covers designed to function in flood-prone areas of the suburban railway network.
A point machine, located next to the tracks, facilitates the transition of trains from one track to another by connecting lines. A Central Railway official elaborated on the mission-oriented approach adopted to guarantee uninterrupted train services during the monsoon. “We have developed point machine covers, which are now implemented at 231 identified flood-prone locations across the Central Railway network. This ensures extensive protection and reliability. By significantly reducing point machine failures during flooding, we are able to enhance operational efficiency. This innovation eliminates the need for manual clamping of points, traditionally required during such failures,” the official explained.
Similarly, a Western Railway official highlighted the introduction of a pulse radar-based water level monitoring system at sensitive bridges. “This system consists of water level monitoring equipment and intelligent field devices that transmit data every 15 minutes via GPRS to a centralised data centre. This data is then linked to the Railway IT app, known as the Bridge Management System,” the official stated. He further added, “Officials receive SMS alerts for immediate updates through this app. This real-time monitoring capability allows us to observe river water levels from any location using a basic internet browser.” The suburban railways, essential for the daily commute of millions in Mumbai, face significant challenges during the monsoon due to flooding and waterlogging. These innovations are expected to mitigate disruptions, ensuring safer and more reliable train operations. The strategic implementation of these technologies reflects a significant advancement in the preparedness and resilience of Mumbai’s railway network, particularly during the monsoon season. By leveraging real-time data and enhancing infrastructure, Western and Central Railway aim to provide uninterrupted service to the city’s commuters.
