Central Railway Boosts Monsoon Preparedness with RPF’s Railway Flood Rescue Team
Mumbai, 19th June 2023: With the monsoon season fast approaching, Central Railway’s Mumbai Division, in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force’s Railway Flood Rescue Team (RFRT), has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of passengers in the event of water floods.
The following information highlights the preparedness and resources available for this purpose:
RFRT Deployment: A dedicated team of 14 RPF personnel, who have undergone training by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in Pune, will be deployed to flood-prone areas. Equipped with five inflatable rescue boats, they will play a critical role in rescue operations.
Inflatable Boats: Recently, the Mumbai Division acquired five inflatable boats, strategically stationed at key railway stations including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Matunga, Kurla, Thane, and Badlapur. These boats will enable swift and efficient rescue operations.
Prompt Response: The RFRT, in conjunction with other relevant staff members, will promptly respond to flooded areas upon notification from various departments. Their presence will be instrumental in providing timely assistance to affected passengers.
Circulation of SOP: The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the RFRT and the use of inflatable rescue boats has been disseminated to all RPF Post Incharges within the Mumbai Division. This ensures that all personnel are well-versed in the protocols and procedures to be followed during flood-related emergencies.
Mock Drill: To assess the readiness of the RFRT, a mock drill was conducted on March 10, 2023, at the Railway Dam in Palasdhari, Karjat. This exercise involved the deployment of all five inflatable boats, allowing trained personnel to practice rescue operations and enhance preparedness.
Support to Western Railway: In response to a requisition from the Western Railway, three inflatable boats and seven trained staff members from the Mumbai Division have been provided. These resources are now stationed at Gandhidham Railway Station (Ahmedabad Division, WR) with two staff members, Dwarka Railway Station (Rajkot Division, WR) with three staff members, and Porbandar Railway Station (Bhavnagar Division, WR) with two staff members.
Crowd Control and Disaster Management Plan: The RPF Mumbai Division has developed a comprehensive plan for crowd control and disaster management as part of their monsoon preparations. This plan includes manpower augmentation, control room enhancements, and essential contact numbers for Police, GRP, Hospitals, Fire Brigade, Municipal Authorities, NDRF, and other agencies. It also incorporates flood-prone areas and dates of high tides for an effective response.
Disaster Management Teams: Three dedicated Disaster Management Teams, comprising 15 RPF officers and staff members each, have been formed. These teams will play a pivotal role in coordinating relief efforts and ensuring passenger safety during flood situations.
Supervision and Oversight: General Officers (GOs) of the RPF will provide daily supervision and guidance, closely monitoring the preparedness and response measures in place.
Drone Camera and Trained Personnel: To enhance relief activity monitoring, two drone cameras have been made available. Additionally, four RPF personnel have undergone specialized training to operate these drones effectively.
Other Equipment and Resources: The Central Railway has equipped itself with various resources, including 75 loudhailers, 100 raincoats, an ample supply of rope and luminous tapes, 225 luminous jackets, 90 ladders, 318 5-watt walkie-talkies, 3 25-watt VHF sets, and 250 LEDs.
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