CR to set up cameras to monitor boulders

MUMBAI : In a first, the Central Railway (CR) will conduct a digital scrutiny of the tunnels that fall along its ghat section. CCTV cameras are being placed to monitor the movements of boulders along the ghat section. These cameras will be monitored in real time from the nearest location.

Chances of boulders falling on a train or on the railway tracks and disrupting train services are quite high in the ghat section. Thus, live monitoring of the movements will help in deciding the operations of the trains.

Earlier, Railways would deploy staff who would be present near railway tunnels and would send updates on the boulders to railway officials.

During heavy rainfall, loose boulders fall on the tracks and obstruct the movement of local as well as outstation trains. Regions near Lonavala, Monkey Hill and the Kasara Ghats are the worst hit. “CCTV cameras will help us in knowing the exact position of the boulders and their movements. We have also created drain retention walls which would help drain water from near the tracks during heavy rainfall,” said SK Jain, divisional railway manager, CR.

Apart from CCTV cameras, CR will also deploy staff in the ghat section during heavy rainfall for inspection. Walkie-talkies and flashers have been given to them in order to communicate with motormen and station masters during emergency situations.

A drone survey of the entire ghat section was done before monsoon, wherein 500 boulders, which were found to be risky, were removed.