The Railways has decided to opt for flood insurance to protect its assets in the event of natural calamities. According to the Disaster Management Plan, 2016, each zone will undertake a pilot project to implement the flood insurance policy by engaging suitable consultants.
Southern Railway, which suffered huge losses during last December’s devastating floods here, has estimated assets worth about Rs. 12,000 crore that include movable and immovable properties. During last year’s deluge, major railway stations such as Chennai Central and the one in Egmore were closed and train services suspended for days, causing losses to the tune of Rs. 100 crore, railway sources said.
The Railway’s Research Designs and Standards Organisation has been entrusted with the task of compiling flood-prone areas in consultation with the zones. The agency will also coordinate with relevant departments to implement the National Disaster Management Authority’s guidelines on flood management policy in zonal railways and production units.
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According to Southern Railway Additional General Manager P.K. Mishra, disaster management strategies were redesigned after the floods here. Besides strengthening safety in flood-prone areas by improving waterways of bridges in track formation, engineers in the Flood Investigation Department are closely working with the Indian Meteorological Department to assess weather forecast and ensure preparedness.
The Railway Board has also asked zones to adopt modern techniques to monitor landslides, behaviour of rivers that pose danger to railway embankments.