Eastern Railway/Sealdah
SEALDAH DIVISION GEARS UP TO RESPOND THE UPCOMING KALBOISAKHI THUNDERSTORM
Kolkata, 20th March 2024.
On account of presence of favourable wind pattern and strong moisture incursion from Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric level, Kalboisakhi thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface wind is likely to occur in some districts of West Bengal from 20th to 22nd March 2025. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warning of thunderstorm, heavy rainfall and wind speeds up to 50-60 KMPH in parts of South Bengal which pose potential threat to smooth Suburban Train operations in Sealdah Division.
In order to ensure smooth train operations during upcoming Kalboisakhi storm, Sealdah Division has taken host of measures for ensuring smooth and safe train operations as detailed hereunder :-
- Overhead Equipment– instructions have been issued to all concerned to ensure protection of OHE structures, insulators, and fittings from strong winds.
- Signal System Checks– Regular inspection of signaling cables, relay rooms and lightning protection systems to minimize failures.
- Track & Ballast Maintenance– All concerned has been advised to maintain proper drainage systems along tracks to prevent waterlogging and track washouts.
- Tree Trimming Near Tracks – Instructions have been issued to cut weak or overhanging branches to prevent them from falling on overhead equipment and tracks.
- Lightning Protection for Signaling & telecom Systems– Grounding and surge protection devices are functional to prevent signal failures and the same should be in place to combat any eventuality.
- Availability of Backup Power – All stations and control rooms are to be equipped with generator backups in case of power failure.
- Speed Restrictions – in case of strong gusty surface wind, speed of the EMU trains will be restricted accordingly to avoid any mishap.
- Crew alertness – all locomotive crew and on duty station staff are advised to remain on highest alert for the sake of safety and security of train movement.
- Public announcement – commuters will be suitably informed about the thunderstorm situation through public address systems at all stations.
- Weather forecast – Sealdah division will closely monitor weather forecasting to anticipate the thunderstorm situation and deploy disaster management team accordingly.
Shri Deepak Nigam, DRM/Sealdah has directed all officers and staff to remain on toes to rise up to the occasion and maintain smooth train operations throughout the Division.
