Kochi: With the monsoon ringing in, the incidents of tree falling over railway tracks have gone up, affecting train movements frequently. The development has prompted the railways to seek “cooperation” of public residing on either side of tracks for clearing vulnerable trees remaining in the vicinity to ensure safety. “Last month alone, there were over 30 incidents of traffic dislocation due to trees falling/leaning in the division, almost entirely an electrified section. In the event of a tree falling on track, restoration works will take considerable time as all safety precautions have to be observed before cutting down the trees,” said a senior railway official.
On May 28, a tree got uprooted and fell over the tracks at Paravur-Kollam section in heavy wind and rain, badly damaging the Over Head Electrical Equipment. The subsequent traffic disruption lasted for over 10 hours. Similarly on June 3, a tree fell over the tracks at Kaduturutty-Kuruppanthara section, affecting rail traffic. In both cases, the trees fell on tracks were located at private lands. “Any untoward incident should be promptly reported to the nearest railway authorities such as a gatekeeper and in case of any tree fall hazard, rescue or relief measures should be initiated only with consent of concerned railway officials as it involves high voltage electric power,” the official said.
The entire section in Thiruvananthapuram division is electrified with 25,000 Volt high tension Over Head Electric Traction supply. Trees falling/leaning towards railway track pose serious threat to movement of trains and safety of passengers.
“We indulge in trimming and removal of dangerous trees periodically. As part of pre-monsoon drive, the railways had identified vulnerable trees and asked landowners on either side of the track to cut down the same with assistance of the railways. However, many failed to take action and a large number of “vulnerable” trees remain unattended in private land,” he said.
