Special hill gangs & tunnel teams to ensure smooth rail traffic

BHUBANESWAR: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has implemented a series of proactive measures on the Kothavalasa-Kirandul (KK) line, crucial for iron ore traffic, to ensure uninterrupted train operations.

Recognising the challenges posed by the valley and hill regions during monsoon, ECoR has formed specialised hill gangs and a dedicated tunnel maintenance team. Over 20 members have already been imparted advanced training at the National Institute of Mountaineering under the Ministry of Defence in Arunachal Pradesh. Another batch of 30 personnel from the engineering, traction and accident relief departments are scheduled to undergo the specialised training at the institute in October.

“The focus is on equipping these teams with new emergency tools and communication systems to swiftly address any disruption, particularly in sensitive areas along the KK line,” said a railway official.

The ECoR has also introduced a new track material relief train on an experimental basis in the Boddavara-Borraguhalu ghat section to further enhance track maintenance capabilities.