Tree Falling Cases: Railways Seek Public Cooperation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The entire operational jurisdiction of Thiruvananthapuram division, between Tirunelveli(Tamil Nadu) and Shoranur(Kerala) is electrified with 25000 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.
During the previous month alone more than 30 incidents of traffic dislocation occurred due to trees falling/leaning at various locations in the division,. The cases of train traffic disruption, due to trees falling on railway track are increasing with the onset of monsoon. Being an electrified section, in the event of a tree falling on track, restoration works will take considerable time, since all safety precautions should be observed before cutting down the trees.
Trees infringing the safety of electrified track are periodically trimmed and removed. As a part of Pre Monsoon Drive(PMD), railways had identified the trees that are vulnerable to fall or lean towards track during heavy rain/wind. Landowners on either side of the track were intimated to initiate removal of trees with all assistance provided by the railways to ensure safety.
Though adequate steps to notify and initiate removal of trees on private land were undertaken, many critical trees remain unattended in private land, due to the lack of awareness among public about serious repercussions to local residents and travelling public during heavy wind and rain.
On 28th May, 2018, during heavy wind and rain a tree fell at Paravur-Kollam section, badly damaging Over Head Electrical Equipments and the traffic disruption lasted for more than 10 hours. Yesterday(03rd June 2018),a tree fall at Kaduturutty-Kuruppanthara section during the rain affected train traffic and the tree had to be cleared with emergency power block. In both the cases trees located at private land fell on track.
In view of the above, Railway intends to notify the public on the following aspects –
Railways seek co-operation of public residing on either side of railway track for clearing vulnerable trees remaining in the vicinity of railway track duly ensuring safety.
Any untoward incidents should be reported promptly to the nearest Railway authorities and in case of any tree fall hazard, rescue/relief measures should be initiated with the consent of Railway authorities, as it involves high voltage electric power.
Railways Control Rooms at divisions monitor the situation round the clock and arrange prompt relief measures on war footing, whenever tree fall on track. If the public is in possession of any information which would be helpful in smooth, safe and punctual train movement, they are requested to share this with the nearest Railway Station or Gate Keeper at the earliest.