Central Railway Adopts Vetiver Grass Bioengineering to Prevent Soil Erosion and Ensure Safe Train Operations in Ghat Sections

Central Railway is implementing a novel, environmentally friendly technique to mitigate soil erosion and guarantee reliable train operations in the Ghat sections. These Ghat sections, specifically the Bhor Ghat (Karjat-Lonavala) and Thal Ghat (Kasara-Igatpuri), are susceptible to soil erosion, surface runoff, boulder falls, and shallow landslides during the monsoon season.

These issues present a significant risk to the safety and punctuality of train services. To tackle this, Central Railway is considering the extensive application of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) as a natural method to stabilize slopes. Vetiver, recognized as a high-performance bioengineering plant within the internationally acknowledged Vetiver System (VS), is extremely efficient at stabilizing soil, minimizing surface runoff, capturing eroded sediment, and reviving slopes.

The plant's growth results in a dense, predominantly vertical root system that reaches 3 to 4 meters within 12 to 24 months. This robust network of fibrous roots functions as a natural reinforcement, fortifying the soil and augmenting soil shear resistance by approximately 30-40%, thus substantially diminishing the potential for slumping and shallow slope failure.

Central Railway has already initiated pilot plantations for embankment protection in the South-East Ghat section, including: · On the Khandala - Monkey Hill section near UP line side at Km. 122/0-122/15 - Plantation area: 1050 Sqm · On the Thakurwadi Cabin - Palasdhari section near MID line side between Km. 106/600-700 - Plantation area: 4250 Sqm Vetiver hedges are being cultivated in contour lines on cutting slopes and embankments for railway applications in Ghats.

The deep root system secures the soil, while the dense above-ground foliage serves as a porous barrier to slow down surface runoff, avert gully formation, enhance water infiltration, and trap silt. With time, the captured sediment aids in the development of natural terraces, thereby further fortifying the slopes. This eco-friendly approach will allow Central Railway to: - Prevent soil erosion and slope instability in Ghat sections - Decrease incidents of boulder and debris falling onto tracks - Ensure secure and punctual train operations during monsoon - Lower the costs associated with conventional protective measures Central Railway remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering safe, secure, and comfortable travel to its passengers, particularly through the challenging and environmentally sensitive Ghat sections.

By combining sustainable, nature-based solutions like Vetiver bioengineering with traditional engineering methods, Central Railway is not only reinforcing the stability of its slopes and embankments but also ensuring safe train operations in all weather conditions, enhancing passenger safety, and protecting the environment.