Divisional Railway Manager Arun Kumar Chaturvedi conducted a comprehensive inspection of elephant protection measures along the Palakkad-Madukkarai railway section on August 7, 2024, focusing on newly built underpasses and proposed intrusion detection systems.
Coimbatore: Arun Kumar Chaturvedi, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Palakkad Division, Southern Railway, conducted a thorough inspection of the Palakkad-Madukkarai railway section on August 7, 2024. The inspection focused on assessing elephant protection measures in this critical area known for elephant intrusions onto the tracks.
During the inspection, DRM Chaturvedi examined two newly constructed elephant underpasses between Walayar and Ettimadai stations. These underpasses, located at rail kilometres 505 A/400-500 and 506 A/900-506 A/000, are part of a Rs. 11.5 crore project aimed at facilitating safe passage for elephants and preventing their intrusion onto the tracks. The DRM also inspected the cleared vegetation and bushes on both sides of these elephant-prone areas to discourage elephants from roaming near the tracks.
The inspection included an assessment of proposed locations for the Elephant Intrusion Detection System along the Kottekkad-Madukkarai route, spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This system, with an allocated budget of approximately Rs. 18.99 crores, aims to address elephant intrusions comprehensively by covering all identified elephant trespassing corridors on both A and B lines. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the system combines optical fibre networks with artificial intelligence-based elephant detection systems to alert station masters and train drivers of potential elephant presence near the tracks. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2024.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance elephant protection, the Palakkad Division has initiated the installation of solar fencing along a 5-kilometre stretch between Kottekkad and Level Crossing No. 156. This initiative, costing Rs. 28.08 lakh, is another step towards preventing elephant intrusions and improving overall safety along the railway tracks.
The comprehensive elephant protection measures, including the solar fencing, Elephant Intrusion Detection System, and newly built underpasses, represent a total investment of Rs. 30.77 crore by the railways. This significant investment and the recent inspection underscore the Palakkad Division's commitment to ensuring the protection of elephants and enhancing overall safety along this critical railway section.
During the inspection, DRM Chaturvedi examined two newly constructed elephant underpasses between Walayar and Ettimadai stations. These underpasses, located at rail kilometres 505 A/400-500 and 506 A/900-506 A/000, are part of a Rs. 11.5 crore project aimed at facilitating safe passage for elephants and preventing their intrusion onto the tracks. The DRM also inspected the cleared vegetation and bushes on both sides of these elephant-prone areas to discourage elephants from roaming near the tracks.
The inspection included an assessment of proposed locations for the Elephant Intrusion Detection System along the Kottekkad-Madukkarai route, spanning Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This system, with an allocated budget of approximately Rs. 18.99 crores, aims to address elephant intrusions comprehensively by covering all identified elephant trespassing corridors on both A and B lines. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the system combines optical fibre networks with artificial intelligence-based elephant detection systems to alert station masters and train drivers of potential elephant presence near the tracks. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2024.
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance elephant protection, the Palakkad Division has initiated the installation of solar fencing along a 5-kilometre stretch between Kottekkad and Level Crossing No. 156. This initiative, costing Rs. 28.08 lakh, is another step towards preventing elephant intrusions and improving overall safety along the railway tracks.
The comprehensive elephant protection measures, including the solar fencing, Elephant Intrusion Detection System, and newly built underpasses, represent a total investment of Rs. 30.77 crore by the railways. This significant investment and the recent inspection underscore the Palakkad Division's commitment to ensuring the protection of elephants and enhancing overall safety along this critical railway section.