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working of trains during floods

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TypeCommercial Circular
Topicreservation
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Summary

Above ballast level but below rail level, track walked over by 2 Trackmen abreast one at either end of sleepers before each train and only when track has not been disturbed should train be allowed over the track.

Text of the circular

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# Working of trains during floods , cyclone & earthquake
Ref: - SWR DM Plan 	                            Compiled by: - S Velraj, Inst/Optg

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![Image result for train operation in floods pictures](Picture2.jpg)

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![Image result for train operation in floods pictures](Picture2.jpg)

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Flooding is very dangerous to the permanent way.
The earthworks become unstable.
Ballast can be washed away.
The forces of the water by its movement, buoyancy, and scouring action can seriously weaken and move the track.
Track no longer stable and secure enough to support the weight of a train reliably.

# How Flooding affects the track?

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Great care is taken when flood waters rise and affect a railway track.
If track bed known to have been laid in a stable manner (or specially built to withstand floods in a flood-prone area), certain rules of thumb are adopted.
If water level does not cover the ballast and the track can be seen to be undamaged, trains may in general move (with caution) over the affected sections.
When the water level rises to cover part or all of the ballast, special operating rules go into effect, which differ based on local conditions.

# How trains dealt during flooding?

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In some divisions, the rules are that if the water does not cover the rails, it may be piloted across with gangmen walking ahead of it and observing the track as it comes under load;
while if the water is above the rails, gangmen may have to inspect the entire length of flooded track first and issue a written certificate providing the driver of the train with authority to proceed.

# Precautions

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In flood-prone areas like Mumbai, the tracks are built to withstand a certain amount of flooding.
In such cases, the rule is generally that trains can proceed (with caution) on flooded track even if the water is a few inches above the rails, as long as the rails can be seen.
E.g., on WR, for water less than 3" above rail level diesel locos are operated at 5km/h, and electric locos at 15km/h.
Electric locos can be operated at 8km/h up till 4" of water, while diesel locos (WDM-2) must not be operated if the water level rises above 3".

# Local conditions apply

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For each class of locomotive, there is a certain height of water beyond which it absolutely cannot proceed on flooded track as its equipment may be damaged otherwise.
For instance, diesel locomotives of the WDM-2 class are not to be used if the water level above the rails is more than 3".

# Precautions when water level more

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# Maharashtra floods
https://twitter.com/i/status/1154993377588342784

https://twitter.com/i/status/1154993377588342784

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# Maharashtra floods – Mahalaxmi Exp
At least 700 passengers are stranded as Mahalaxmi Express was held up between Badlapur and Vangani station in Mumbai due to heavy rains

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![Image result for mahalaxmi exp flooding in maharastra](Picture2.jpg)

Mahalaxmi Exp got struct in floods in Maharastra in year 2019

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![Image result for mahalaxmi exp flooding in maharastra](Picture2.jpg)

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In the case of the Mahalaxmi Express, authorities were waiting for the water — which was initially four feet deep — to come down to one foot.
After the water level is down to around a foot, an engine is pressed into service to reach the stranded train and haul it out of the affected area.
Taking the train out to clear the track is also essential to maintain the “path” for other trains, because one breakdown has a cascading effect on the railway timetable.

# Mahalaxmi Express

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![Flooded Train Tracks](Picture2.jpg)

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Operations in a flood are easier these days because of the evolution of the signalling system.
Earlier

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