Indian Railways ropes in RDSO to solve waterlogging problem

The Indian Railways has roped in the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) to solve the problem of waterlogging on the road under bridges (RUBs) or limited height subways (LHS). Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the media that the ministry is taking steps to solve the waterlogging issue. He said that the RDSO, which operates under the Ministry of Railways, is studying the issue in detail. Highlighting that waterlogging is a common phenomenon, mainly in remote areas, the minister also said that the Railways would invest in making more overbridges rather than roads under bridges. After analysing the problem, the RDSO proposed several measures for the Railways that could assist solve the waterlogging problem in underground railway projects. The organisation highlighted that an adequate draining arrangement was required to solve the problem. The RDSO also recommended several measures to solve the issue in existing underground structures. It said that water flow could be redirected to the nearest bridge or nallahs so that it doesn’t collect the under bridge. It also proposed covering approach roads and hump at the entry to RUBs with a shed. The RDSO said that pumping arrangements should be made to expeditiously pump out the water in case excess water gets collected underbridge. It told the media that the provision of cross drains and sealing of joints should be made after evaluating the stability of the structure and the area. As the waterlogging issue gets aggravated during the monsoon season, clearing of debris and silt removal is done at RUBs before the rains. In addition, monsoon patrolling is also done in identified sites to prevent waterlogging. Earlier, it was reported that the Central Railway will carry out microtunneling in several areas across Mumbai to deal with the issue of waterlogging during monsoon. Image Source