Fallen trees on tracks keep railway officials on their toes

The inclement weather on Monday kept the railway authorities on their toes as instances of several trees falling on railway tracks were reported from various parts of the State. The most serious incident happened in the Guruvayur-Punkunnam section, where a large tree from a private property toppled onto the railway track around 5 a.m., damaging the overhead electric equipment.

The landowner had been notified about the tree posing a threat, but the owner refused to cooperate or cut it down, said the railways in a statement. Trees also fell in other sections, including Ernakulam South-Ernakulam Town and Ambalappuzha-Alappuzha, as well as in Thiruvalla Yard. Additionally, a tree was reportedly leaning dangerously towards the track on the Varkala-Paravur section, and tree branches were found leaning towards the tracks on the Changanassery-Chingavanam and Chalakudy-Karukutty sections.

Since there are a large number of dangerous trees posing a threat to public safety, strong action is being planned, including making property owners pay for damages and taking legal steps over defiance. The assistance of district administration will be sought for ensuring safe running of trains, said the railways.

Railway maintenance teams were engaged in restoring train services in affected areas. However, consequent to delays in clearing the trees and operational arrangements, the railways had to announce changes in some train schedules, including Ernakulam Junction -Pune Junction Poorna Weekly Express, Thiruvananthapuram Central-Mangalore Central Maveli Expres, and Nagercoil Junction-Thiruvananthapuram North Passenger train on Monday.