Railway Safety Alert: Preventing Signal Cable Damage
The Railways has issued warnings to its zones regarding infrastructure work, emphasizing that damage to signal and telecommunication cables can severely compromise train operations. To avert such risks, detailed precautionary steps have been outlined, including utility shifts and inter-department coordination during infrastructure projects.

- Country:
- India
The Railway Board has issued a stern advisory to all its zones, emphasizing heightened vigilance during infrastructure projects due to the potential hazards posed by damaged signal and telecommunication cables. Such damage could lead to dangerous signal failures and train disruptions, the board warned.
Highlighting current large-scale initiatives like track doubling, yard remodeling, and the implementation of the Kavach system, the board has noticed frequent incidents of cable damage. These incidents have prompted fresh warnings about the adverse consequences of such failures, stressing the importance of proactive precautions.
To mitigate these risks, the board has instructed zones to ensure utility shifts before excavation work, enhance coordination among departments involved in track-adjacent projects, and utilize integrated Cable Route Plans thoroughly. Despite previous communications, adherence to these measures remains inconsistent, officials noted, stressing the critical need for attention to safety guidelines.