SWR gets new ‘disaster management room’

A ‘Disaster Management Room’ attached to the Headquarters Central Control of South Western Railway (SWR) and equipped with state-of-the-art telecommunication network and other facilities was inaugurated by SWR General Manager Pradeep Kumar Saxena here on Wednesday.

Speaking at a function after viewing the facilities set up at the East Block of the new zonal headquarters of SWR, Mr. Saxena said that the new facility would aid the officers in monitoring relief and rescue operations in an effective way as the developments from the accident site could be viewed live.

Under a new initiative, Accident Relief Trains on the SWR route are provided with a video camera and the visuals can be transmitted through satellite link to the Disaster Management Room. Mr. Saxena said the new facilities would improve coordination and management of accident situations.

Mr. Saxena also releases a handbook on ‘General Rules for Indian Rules Book (1976) with subsidiary Rules & Appendix of SWR-2014’ and announced a cash award of Rs. 15,000 in appreciation of the excellent work done by the officers and staff of Operating Department of SWR.

Welcoming the gathering, Chief Operations Manager of SWR P. Ganeswara Rao spoke about the facilities available at the Disaster Management Room, which is equipped with the latest telecommunication network, Wi-Fi, LED television, copies of all rule books and manuals.

Road maps of the States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Goa, System Map, Disaster Management Plan, Time Tables would also be displayed at the Room. In addition, emergency contact numbers of concerned civil authorities, Police, Road Transport and Revenue authorities would also be available at the room, he said.