Lok Sabha Question No. 1998 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-11
Subject: Vulnerable Railway Sections in Kerala
Ministry: RAILWAYS
Asked by: Shri K C Venugopal

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## 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.

-  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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