Utilizing the lockdown period for carrying out major repair/maintenance works, Hubballi Division has replaced worn-out sleepers and fastenings at 11 Level Crossing gates which has very high Train Vehicle Unit.
Works carried out at 05 nos. of Level Crossing (LC’s) gates no. 380,381,382,383 & 386 situated in the heavy suburbs of the Belagavi district which have heavy train vehicle unit (TVU’s) of more than 2 lakhs and all the worn out PSC sleepers, Rails and Pway fastenings were replaced.
Similarly, maintenance works were carried out at 06 no’s of Level Crossing gate nos. 17, 17A, 43, 24A, 25 & 47 situated in the heavy suburbs of Goa, which have heavy train vehicle unit ranging from 20,000 to 50,000. It will result in achieving overall improvement in running of trains.
In normal times, due to heavy road traffic at these level crossing gates getting the District commissioner approval for the diversion of the traffic needed for 10-12 hours to ensure removal of the check rails, paver blocks, excavation up to 400-500mm, replacement of sleepers, rails and P-way fittings, which would have caused inconvenience to road users.
But due to lockdown, it could be completed smoothly after taking permission from District Administration. Various Machines like JCB machines for excavation beneath the track, Small Track Machine, Rail cutting machines, Drilling machines, Hydraulics Weld trimmers, off-track tampers, DUOMATIC track machine for the effective packing after the overhauling work were used with adequate manpower.
By completing these overhauling works, caution order to run trains at 20-30 KMPH in these sections are eliminated which will improve the punctuality of trains. It has also enhanced the safety of train operations.
Ballast cleaning is carried out regularly to replace worn-out ballasts with a new one.
Ballast Cleaning work carried out recently in Gadag-Hosapete section through Ballast Cleaning Machine. This track section is formed on Black Cotton soil which tends to deform and develop cracks after shrinkage. Hence, regular track attention is required at these locations.
In view of the onset of Monsoon, now along with Ballast Cleaning, Geogrid and Geotextile have been laid to strengthen the formation. These two layers will act as a separation layer and will not allow water to penetrate into the formation. This will also reduce differential settlement of the formation and improve the running quality of the tracks.
Railway is carrying out regular maintenance and safety works diligently to ensure safe train operations.
