Parliament Question: Vulnerable Railway Sections in Kerala

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1998 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 VULNERABLE RAILWAY SECTIONS IN KERALA

1998. SHRI K C VENUGOPAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has identified railway sections in Kerala vulnerable to landslides, flooding and track subsidence especially in ghat and cutting areas and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether geo-technical audits, slope stabilisation and early-warning systems have been implemented and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of the funds allocated for such safety works; and

(d) the details of the steps taken to prevent derailments and prolonged service disruption during heavy monsoons? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)

(a) to (d) There is an established system of close monitoring of Railway Bridges, tracks cuttings & vulnerable locations, as per laid down system which, inter alia, includes daily monitoring by Keymen, deployment of stationary watchmen at vulnerable locations and mobile patrolling during monsoon on Indian Railways. The inspection of the Railway track is undertaken by designated officials at a specified frequency.

In addition to prescribed schedule for regular maintenance, additional measures are also taken during monsoon to ensure smooth train operation

such as:  Pre-Monsoon & Post-Monsoon inspections in addition to routine inspections carried out by designated officials and attention is given to track/bridge /cutting/drainage as per the deficiencies brought out during inspection to prevent unusual occurrence.

-2/- §-2/-  Regular cleaning of side drains and catch water drains, cleaning and desilting of railway culverts and Waterway Bridge.  Deployment of stationary watchmen on identified locations and introduction Monsoon Patrolling on identified sections.

 Joint inspection of Railway Affecting Works (canals, reservoirs, tanks etc.) with concerned State Government Authorities.  Close liaison with local authorities for monitoring of excess release of water from reservoir/dams, maintaining close liaison with the concerned Regional Meteorological Centres for updated weather information.

 Officers/supervisors are nominated for inspection whenever very heavy/extremely rainfall warning issued by IMD to ensure safe operations of train services.  Keeping adequate monsoon reserves such as boulders, quarry dust, relieving girders etc.

Based on past history and inspections carried out at various levels, works such as soil nailing, widening of cutting & cess making, construction of gabion wall and retaining wall are planned and executed.

Repair/strengthening/rehabilitation of various structures is a continuous process and is undertaken whenever so warranted by their physical condition as ascertained during these inspections.

In Kerala, Eraniel-Kulittuari section, Vallattol Nagar-Wadakancheri section, Walayar-Kanjikode section, Parli-Lakkiti section & Shoranur-Karakad

section are closely monitored for landslides etc.

During 2023-24, 2024-25 & 2025-26 about Rs 6700 crores have been allocated on repairs/ strengthening/ rehabilitation/rebuilding of bridges, approaches and other vulnerable locations on Indian Railway including Kerala state.

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