The frequent collapse of road bridges in Bihar during the monsoon season, the Indian Railways has ramped up its safety protocols and intensified the surveillance of rail bridges to ensure passenger safety. The East Central Railway (ECR), which manages over 3,000 rail bridges, has taken proactive steps to address the heightened risks posed by the adverse weather conditions.
In a strategic move, the Chief Engineer (Bridge) of ECR has mobilised teams of technical experts across its five divisions to undertake continuous monitoring of the rail bridges. An ECR officer highlighted that bridges located near rivers are under rigorous surveillance, directly overseen by senior officials. Dedicated railway personnel have been tasked with monitoring and reporting the conditions of particularly vulnerable bridges, thereby enhancing the vigilance framework. During heavy rains, railway officials are maintaining heightened alertness in these regions. Track safety staff have been deployed with clear directives to remain vigilant and prepared with essential materials such as sandbags, stone chips, boulders, and sawdust to manage potential emergencies. Despite these measures, officials assure that there is no immediate cause for alarm regarding railway bridge safety.
To further bolster safety measures, water measuring devices have been installed at all major rail bridges. These devices are crucial for providing advance warnings about rising water levels, enabling timely responses to potential threats. They conduct regular track patrols, focusing on significant rail bridges such as those at Koilwar, Kiul, Rajendra Pul near Mokama, and Kosi. Additionally, smaller and more vulnerable bridges are kept under constant observation. The railway authorities have also established close communication channels with the state disaster management department and meteorological offices to receive real-time weather updates. This collaboration ensures that the railways are well-prepared to respond to any emerging threats posed by the monsoon rains.
This comprehensive approach underscores the railways’ commitment to passenger safety and infrastructure integrity during challenging weather conditions. By deploying technical expertise and leveraging advanced monitoring technologies, the ECR aims to mitigate risks and maintain the operational safety of its extensive network of rail bridges. As the monsoon season progresses, the efficacy of these enhanced safety measures will be crucial in preventing incidents and ensuring the uninterrupted functioning of railway services.
