Railways to Install Safety Railings at 84 Spots to Stop Animal Hits
Indian Railways is taking a major step to enhance track safety by installing railway safety railings at 84 critical locations. This massive project is designed to prevent stray animals from wandering onto the tracks, a recurring issue that has led to significant operational disruptions and accidents.
A ₹16.24 Crore Safety Initiative
Following the completion of a final survey, railway authorities have identified 84 designated spots under the Northern and North Eastern Railways where these protective barriers are urgently needed. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately ₹16.24 crore. The engineering department has prioritized these safety measures to mitigate the increasing number of collisions and delays reported across the regional rail network.
High-Risk Zones and Operational Impact
Operational data reveals that the presence of stray livestock has significantly impacted train services, particularly within the Moradabad Division and the Izzatnagar division. Certain routes have been more vulnerable than others:
- Ramganga-Kasganj Route: This stretch has faced severe disruptions, including instances where freight trains were derailed due to animal incursions.
- Livestock Incursions: Frequent movement of animals onto the tracks continues to pose a threat to both train schedules and passenger safety.
Lessons from Recent Accidents
The urgency of this project is highlighted by recent high-profile incidents that have caused damage to premium train services.
Earlier this year, a Vande Bharat Express sustained damage to its engine following a collision with a bull between Tilhar and Katra, underscoring the high stakes of track safety.
Ongoing Mitigation Efforts
This expansion of safety infrastructure is not an isolated effort. Last year, the railways initiated mitigation measures by installing railings in specific sections of the Izzatnagar-Mathura route. The current rollout aims to provide a more comprehensive shield across the network to ensure smoother and safer train operations.