Konkan Railway makes monsoon arrangements

Navi Mumbai: The Konkan Railway which traverses through the west coast states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka has made extensive arrangements for trouble-free travel in trains during the monsoon. 

The loco pilots are instructed to reduce train speed to 40 km/h during low visibility caused by heavy rainfall.

The monsoon timetable will be in effect from  June 15 to October 20, 2025.

Sandwiched between the Arabian Sea on one side and Sahyadri mountain ranges of Western Ghats, the Konkan route is an example of infrastructure marvel.

Known for its rugged terrain and heavy rainfall, this stretch demands meticulous planning and continuous vigilance and constant patrolling during the monsoon. 

“Konkan Railway has activated a proactive and comprehensive action plan covering key areas such as infrastructure reinforcement, real-time monitoring, patrolling, and emergency response, all aimed at minimising service disruptions and enhancing passenger safety,” according to the Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd (KRCL) which is headquartered in Belapur in Navi Mumbai. 

As part of the monsoon arrangements, 636 trained personnel are being deployed for round-the-clock patrolling at vulnerable locations along the 756.25 km route.

Strategic placement of BRN (wagons) -- mounted excavators at Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavali and Verna -- for rapid response during emergencies has been made.
Besides, Rail Maintenance Vehicles (RMVs) are stationed at nine key locations: Veer, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Rajapur Road, Kudal, Verna, Karwar, Bhatkal, and Udupi.

Tower Wagons are kept ready at Mangaon, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Kankavali, Karmali, Karwar, and Udupi for immediate action.

Self-Propelled Accident Relief Medical Vans (ARMVs) with operation theatres and emergency medical aid are being stationed at Ratnagiri and Verna.

An Accident Relief Train (ART) is stationed at Verna, ready to mobilise within 15 minutes.

In situations when water exceeds 100 mm, the train services will be temporarily suspended and will be resumed only after the water level recedes to ensure passenger safety.

As part of the measures, 24/7 Control Rooms are operational in Belapur, Ratnagiri, and Madgaon throughout the monsoon.

Medical teams are positioned at Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Verna, Madgaon, Karwar, and Udupi to handle any emergencies.

Self-recording rain gauges are active at nine stations -- Mangaon, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Vilwade, Kankavali, Madgaon, Karwar, Bhatkal and Udupi -- to monitor and alert officials about rainfall levels.

Flood warning systems are functional at key bridges i.e Kali river (between Mangaon and Veer), Savitri river (between Veer and Sape Wamane) and Vashishti river (between Chiplun and Kamathe) to alert officials if water levels reach dangerous levels.

Anemometers are installed on major viaducts and bridges to monitor wind speeds at locations viz four locations: Panval viaduct (between Ratnagiri and Nivasar), Mandovi bridge (between Thivim and Karmali), Zuari bridge (Karmali and Verna), and Sharavati bridge (between Honnavar and Manki) to monitor wind velocity.