TREE FROM PRIVATE PROPERTY TOPPLES ONTO RAILWAY TRACK, DAMAGES OVERHEAD EQUIPMENTS – MULTIPLE TREE FALL INCIDENTS ACROSS SECTIONS
Heavy rains and adverse weather has led to several trees falling on railway tracks. The most serious incident happened in the Guruvayur-Punkunnam section, where a large tree from a private property toppled onto the railway track around 5:00 AM in the morning. This tree damaged the overhead electric equipment that power the trains. This tree had already been identified as dangerous and notified its landowner, but the owner refused to cooperate in securing the tree or cutting it down. There are many similar vulnerable trees that pose serious threat to public safety and punctual running of trains. Strong action is being planned, including making property owners pay for damages and taking legal steps against the defiant. Since there are a large number of such dangerous trees that have been identified through surveys, the assistance of district administration will be taken for ensuring safe running of trains.
Trees also fell in other sections including Ernakulam South-Ernakulam Town and Ambalappuzha-Alappuzha, as well as in Thiruvalla Yard. Additionally, a tree was reported leaning dangerously toward the track in the Varkala-Paravur section, and tree branches were found leaning towards the tracks in the Changanassery-Chingavanam and Chalakudy-Karukutty sections.
Railway maintenance teams worked very quickly and efficiently to clear all these incidents and restore normal train services in all affected areas.
Consequent to delays in clearing the trees and operational arrangements, the following trains are having changes in their pattern of service:
RESCHEDULED
- Train No. 11098 Ernakulam Junction – Pune Junction Poorna Weekly Express originally scheduled to depart at 18.50 hrs. has been rescheduled to depart at 21.15 hrs. (ie. 2 hours 25 minutes late)
- Train No. 16604 Thiruvananthapuram Central – Mangalore Central Maveli Express originally scheduled to depart at 7:25 PM has been rescheduled to depart at 21.05 hrs. (ie. 1 hour 40 minutes late)
PARTIAL CANCELLATION
- Train No. 56309 Nagercoil Junction – Thiruvananthapuram North Passenger will be short-terminated at Thiruvananthapuram Central today. Partially cancelled between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Thiruvananthapuram North.
