Bhubaneswar: The Indian Railways has announced its decision to run eight special trains to handle the extra rush of passengers during summer from the East Coast Railway (ECoR) jurisdiction in Odisha to other parts of the country. According to sources, these trains are supposed to ply from first week of April to July 1.
These are Puri-Santragachhi (Howrah)-Puri Special, Puri-Habibganj-Puri Special, Sambalpur-Shalimar-Sambalpur Special, Raigarh-Sambalpur-Raigarh Special, Sambalpur-Banaswadi-Sambalpur Special, Puduchery-Santragachhi-Puduchery Special, Chennai-Santragachhi-Chennai Special, Kacheguda-Tata-Kacheguda Special, Visakhapatnam-Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Special, Visakhapatnam-Tirupati-Visakhapatnam Special and Visakhapatnam-Kacheguda/Tirupati Special.
More coaches will be added to the important regular trains running through the State from other parts of the country, the official added.
The Railways has asked passengers to opt for these special trains to avoid being stuck in the wait list.
Meanwhile, the ECoR has advised to all its divisions to ensure proper functioning of water distribution outlets and water taps to make passengers feel comfortable during the summer season.
All the three Divisions of ECoR such as Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Waltair have been advised to ensure maximum state of alertness during summer. Special emphasis has been given to introduce ‘Hot Weather Patrolling’ when the rail temperature goes beyond the specified limit.
Trackmen have been advised to remain alert at all times and use rail thermometer to assess the situation better at the earliest and keep a vigil on expansion and contraction of tracks.
Adequate fire fighting equipments at stations, sensitive locations and in trains would be provided and the Railways would work in cooperation with state fire brigades for quick availability on call in case of any fire incident. Apart from this, branches of trees likely to obstruct and infringe the track and OHE are to be pruned. Security Department of ECoR has also been directed to prevent Rail Users & Passengers from carrying inflammable materials during their journey in trains.
These apart, preventive measures have also been taken to avoid cases of ‘Hot Engine of Diesel Locomotives’.