In times of tsunamis, natural disasters :

Special plan to protect train commuters
 

by Rajmi Manatunga

The Transport Ministry is formulating a special plan to ensure the safety of railway commuters and property at a time of a tsunami.

Accordingly, trains operating on railway lines close to the sea will be taken to protected places as soon as they are notified of an impending disaster.

Transport Minister Felix Perera who met officials of the Railways Department yesterday directed them to earmark the safest spots on railway lines and keep the Railway Main Control Room informed of such places. The Minister has also directed the General Manager of Railways to appoint a committee to look into other feasible measures to protect commuters at a time of a tsunami or similar disaster.

"We have to ensure that what happened on December 26 does not repeat itself. To achieve that, the Railways Department should lay down a specific procedure to be followed during a tsunami. Co-ordination between responsible officials is essential to make decisions during such situations," the Minister said.

Minister Perera also stressed the need for a special program to protect railway workshops in coastal areas from tsunami waves.

"Following Monday's tsunami warning the authorities took swift measures to suspend train operations on the coastal railway line, take seven trains to safe places and close down railway stations," he said commending the efficiency of Department.

Over 1,500 people were killed on December 26 last year when the tsunami waves hit a Matara-bound train at Peraliya, Telwatta.