Mysuru: In the past six months, five rail breakages were reported in Mysuru division but due to alertness of the loco pilot and keyman who reported them and timely action by the department concerned averted major mishaps. For over five years there have been no derailments involving passenger casualties in the division for which it has also been awarded with best safety efficiency shield in South Western Railway for the past two years consecutively.

Venkateshwar Rao, Senior Divisional Safety Officer, Mysuru division, South Western Railway said, “The division with 1200 km rail line is taking all the precautionary measures to avert any accidents or derailment. Every aspect as per rules and condition provided in working system without any lapses or giving any chances of slippage is taken care of in Mysuru division. Staff working knowledge, safety related materials and working systems are all in place. Even if any breakage in rail is detected by loco pilot or keyman it is attended to immediately. For the past six months though five rail line breakages were reported in the division, it was observed, noticed and protected. If the authorities had neglected, major derailment could have occured. The breakages were reported in Tumkuru-Hubli, Mysuru-Arasikere and Hassan-Mangaluru stretchs”.

“To look into the condition of rail lines, keyman visually examines them between 6 am and 12 noon and if any abnormality is sited in the line he immediately alerts the nearest station manager. Each keyman covers nearly six to eight km stretch. Though it is their duty, inorder to encourage such employees, we honour them with an award. Usually rail line breakages are reported due to a drop in temperature. In northern region due to severe drop in temperatures such breakages are more. There are chances of welding dislocating between each rail line. Sometimes old rail lines are also susceptible to breakages. The span of each rail is nearly 25 years. The majority of the rail lines in the division are more than 20 years. The railway authorities in a phased manner have been replacing the old rail lines with new ones. The 400-km stretch between Tumkuru and Hubli is more than 23 years. Already replacements have been made for 50-km stretch” added Venkateshwar Rao who is the man behind the safety aspects of the division.

Breakdown special: As a precautionary measures, the division with 50 member team called ‘Breakdown special’ comprising of employees from all departments are placed in five different railway stations; Arsikere, Shimoga, Mysuru, Harihara and Sakleshpur. The members in the team are specially trained in rescue, relief and rerail. In case of any derailment, those teams who are near to accident spot will rush in quick time. To keep tab on these teams, every month routine and surprise checks are taken up by the railway authorities.

Mysuru Division -1200-km Rail Line
Derailments – For over five years no derailment involving passengers
Rail Line Breakages – Five reported but alerted by loco pilot and keyman
Lifespan of Rail Lines – Nearly 25 years
Emergency Team – Breakdown special team comprising of 50 members stationed at five different stations.