IMD to install rainfall predicting radars at railway stations in Mumbai

In what can be called a vital step towards gauging waterlogging on tracks, the Indian Meteorological Department and Railways have jointly decided on Tuesday to set up radars that predict rainfall. This decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis that was attended by all civic bodies and Rail authorities.

Sources who attended the meetings said that the IMD requested the Railways to let them install radars at select locations. "The IMD has asked us for land for these radars. I have asked my officers to identify the locations where it is needed and then we shall inform them," said DK Sharma, General Manager, Central Railway.

This would ideally mean that when these radars are placed at rail premises, the IMD will be able to predict rainfall on rail lines and surrounding areas. All the rail officials from the headquarters to the station level will be on the IMD's notification list so that everyone gets real-time information on the weather predictions. This will reduce the time of relaying information. The data generated will also help the Railways take necessary steps while operating trains on heavy rainfall days.

They will also take a last moment decision on whether to curtail the number of services on a rainy day and run 30 per cent lesser trains. The government has also stated that rail tracks will be given first priority over other things. This step has been taken as last year after rains, 45 rakes were marooned at different locations, which were exposed to water logging and needed heavy repairs.

This year, 60 pumps (18 by MCGM and 42 by CR), including two pumps of 1000 cubic m/hr capacity at Sion and Kurla have been provided. Two rounds of cleaning of drains and culverts have already been completed and the third round is in progress.

Also, 259 MSF jawans and 220 RPF and RPSF staff are part of the quick response teams wherein they will man 13 critical FOBs identified by the rail authorities. Mock drills have been conducted at important stations like Dadar, Parel, Currey Road, Chinchpokli, Ghatkopar, and Kurla. Sharma added that at seven identified stations, namely Mumbra, Kalwa, Thane, Mulund, Nahur, Currey Road, and Kurla, additional cover over sheds have been provided at the exit of FOBs. In addition, 14 FOBs have been constructed since last monsoon.

THEY AIM TO...

• Decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by CM Fadnavis and was attended by all civic bodies, rail officials. 
   
• This would enable the IMD to predict rainfall on rail lines and surrounding areas. 
   
• All the rail officials from the headquarters to the station level will be on IMD’s notification list.