Railway Ministry Sanctions Rs 275 Cr For Safety Fencing Along Tracks In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to enhance safety and increase train speeds, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned Rs 275.01 crore for the provision of safety fencing along tracks in the Bhadrak-Palasa and Khurda Road-Puri Sections of the Khurda Road Division under East Coast Railway (ECoR).

This project aims to facilitate the safe operation of trains at speeds up to 130 kmph and beyond, a release from ECoR said on Tuesday.

To ensure effective fencing and avoid any disruptions, the Ministry has decided to construct boundary walls nearer to the tracks. The current plan involves erecting fencing at the boundary of Railway land, with the actual distance to be determined by the zonal railway authorities based on site conditions, maintenance requirements, multi-tracking works, the level of trespassing and the overall effectiveness of the proposed fencing.

The initiative also aims to seal the entry to track at level crossings, ROBs (flyovers), RUBs (underpasses), bridges and other critical locations requiring access control. Apart from this, cattle grazing near Rail will get restricted to Railway Line. This will also provide for smooth traffic movement and this will prevent loss of livestock and wildlife.

Recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed in Lok Sabha, stating that safety fencing would be strategically implemented at vulnerable locations to support the running of Vande Bharat trains at speeds between 110 kmph and 130 kmph. For speeds exceeding 130 kmph, continuous safety fencing will be installed along the entire track length.

The Ministry of Railways remains committed to advancing railway safety and infrastructure to meet the growing demands of semi-high-speed train travel in India. This safety fencing project marks a significant step towards achieving these goals, ensuring a safer and more efficient railway network for the nation.