"Odisha: Railway Ministry Approves ₹275.01 Crore for Safety Fencing Work"

The Ministry of Railways has approved ₹275.01 crore for installing safety fencing along railway tracks in the Bhadrak-Palasa and Khurda Road-Puri sections of the Khurda Road Division under East Coast Railway.

This initiative aims to enhance train safety for speeds up to 130 mph and beyond.

The project includes constructing boundary walls closer to the tracks to ensure effective fencing and minimize disruptions. Fencing will be installed along the boundary of Railway Land, with the exact placement to be determined by zonal railway authorities based on site conditions, maintenance needs, multi-tracking projects, and the level of trespassing.

The safety fencing will also secure access points at level crossings, flyovers, underpasses, bridges, and other critical locations to control entry to the rail tracks. This measure is expected to restrict cattle grazing near the tracks, reducing the risk of livestock and wildlife collisions and ensuring smoother traffic movement.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently informed the Lok Sabha that fencing will be strategically placed at vulnerable locations to support Vande Bharat trains operating at speeds between 110 kmph and 130 kmph. For speeds exceeding 130 mph, continuous fencing will be installed along the entire track length.

"The Ministry of Railways is dedicated to enhancing railway safety and infrastructure to support the demands of semi-high-speed train travel in India. This safety fencing project is a significant step towards achieving these objectives, ensuring a safer and more efficient railway network for the nation," said East Coast Railway sources.

ET