New Delhi, 13 October (H.S.):

Northern Railway organised Safety and Quality Seminars-cum-Interactive Sessions focused on 2x25 kV Overhead Equipment (OHE) upgradation works to ensure compliance with safety standards and maintain the quality of construction work under railway infrastructure projects. As part of this special initiative conducted in October, camps were organised at Jalandhar, Ambala, Moradabad and Lucknow, with a total of 550 officers and employees participating.

The camps were held at Jalandhar on October 1, Ambala on October 5, Moradabad on October 9 and Lucknow on October 12. Participants included 42 officers, 169 employees from the Divisional Traction Distribution (TRD) department, 112 personnel from the electrification project units at Ambala and Lucknow, and 227 employees of contractors and other agencies.

Through technical presentations and interactive sessions, the camps provided detailed discussions on various aspects of executing OHE upgradation works safely and to the required quality standards. Particular emphasis was placed on personal safety, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), the development of a strong safety culture and the prevention of hazardous activities.

Measures to ensure the safe operation of cranes, JCBs and excavation machinery near railway tracks were also discussed, along with precautions to protect tracks, signalling and telecommunications systems, and other railway assets.

To maintain construction quality, participants were advised to strictly adhere to approved drawings, technical specifications and prescribed procedures. The importance of inspecting compliance with safety and quality standards during foundation casting, mast erection, alignment and grouting was also highlighted.

The camps emphasised the safe execution of works involving feeder wires, Auxiliary Electrical Connections (AEC) and Bonding Electrical Connections (BEC) in the vicinity of existing railway infrastructure and electrically energised OHE. Information was also shared on essential precautions during adverse weather conditions, emergency response systems, accident reporting and rescue arrangements.

The roles and responsibilities of railway officials, project unit personnel, supervisors and contractors were clearly outlined. It was emphasised that effective coordination among all stakeholders is essential for the safe execution of work and the maintenance of quality standards. Participants also shared practical challenges encountered in the field, potential hazards and lessons learned from previous safety-related incidents to help prevent their recurrence.

The initiative aims to identify potential hazards before work begins, minimise risks, ensure compliance with technical standards and enhance safety awareness among personnel. The camps also helped strengthen communication and coordination among railway officials, project units and contractual agencies.

Northern Railway reiterated that executing critical infrastructure projects in accordance with prescribed quality standards, ensuring employee safety, maintaining uninterrupted train operations and safeguarding railway assets remain its highest priorities.

The guiding principle of Northern Railway is: “Safety First, Quality Always, No Shortcuts and No Compromise.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar