**Executive Summary**
This document is an answer provided by the Minister of Railways to Unstarred Question No. 1998 raised in Lok Sabha regarding vulnerable railway sections in Kerala. The question addresses government identification of vulnerable sections, implementation of safety systems, fund allocation, and steps to prevent disruptions during monsoons. The answer details existing monitoring systems, safety measures, and fund allocation for railway safety, with a focus on monsoon preparedness. The answer was given on 11.02.2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Existing Monitoring and Inspection Systems:**
* An established system exists for close monitoring of Railway Bridges, track cuttings, and vulnerable locations.
* This includes daily monitoring by Keymen, deployment of stationary watchmen, and mobile patrolling during the monsoon.
* Designated officials undertake railway track inspections at specified frequencies.
* **Monsoon Preparedness Measures:**
* Pre-Monsoon and Post-Monsoon inspections are conducted in addition to routine inspections.
* Track/bridge/cutting/drainage are given attention during inspections to prevent unusual occurrences.
* Regular cleaning of side and catch water drains, and desilting of culverts and waterway bridges.
* Deployment of stationary watchmen and monsoon patrolling on identified sections.
* Joint inspections of Railway Affecting Works with State Government Authorities.
* Close liaison with local authorities for monitoring water release from reservoirs/dams and with Regional Meteorological Centres for weather updates.
* Officers/supervisors are nominated for inspection when heavy rainfall warnings are issued by IMD.
* Adequate monsoon reserves (boulders, quarry dust, etc.) are maintained.
* **Structural Works and Monitoring:**
* Soil nailing, widening of cutting, cess making, and construction of gabion/retaining walls are planned and executed based on past history and inspections.
* Repair/strengthening/rehabilitation of structures is a continuous process based on physical condition.
* Eraniel-Kulittuari, Vallattol Nagar-Wadakancheri, Walayar-Kanjikode, Parli-Lakkiti, and Shoranur-Karakad sections in Kerala are closely monitored for landslides.
* **Financial Allocation:**
* Approximately Rs 6700 crores have been allocated for repairs/strengthening/rehabilitation/rebuilding of bridges, approaches, and vulnerable locations on Indian Railways, including Kerala, for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Railway Authorities**
* **Impact:** Responsible for implementing and maintaining monitoring and safety measures, conducting inspections, and coordinating with other agencies.
* **Action Required:** Ensure adherence to established monitoring systems, implement monsoon preparedness measures, conduct necessary structural works, and utilize allocated funds effectively.
**Stakeholder: State Government Authorities (Kerala)**
* **Impact:** Involved in joint inspections of Railway Affecting Works and coordination for water management.
* **Action Required:** Participate in joint inspections and coordinate with railway authorities regarding water release from reservoirs/dams.
**Stakeholder: Passengers / General Public**
* **Impact:** Benefit from enhanced safety and reduced service disruptions on railway lines in Kerala.
* **Action Required:** No direct action required.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary government entity responsible for railways in India, answering the parliamentary question.
Indian Railways: The railway network in India, which is the subject of the policy regarding vulnerable sections.
Kerala: The specific location where vulnerable railway sections are identified and monitored.
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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