New Delhi

Railway zones have identified 2,670 road-under-bridges (RUBs) or subways prone to waterlogging out of a total 14,745 constructed across the country, and permanent preventive infrastructure has been provided at more than half of these locations, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha.

In a written reply, Vaishnaw said zonal railways carried out a detailed survey earlier this year and identified the vulnerable sites as of April 1. Of these, 1,351 subways have been equipped with permanent remedial infrastructure to prevent waterlogging and ensure uninterrupted functionality.

“Balance RUBs or subways have also been provided with temporary solutions, including dewatering arrangements,” the minister said, adding that round-the-clock manning is being carried out at vulnerable locations by deputing ‘RUB Mitra’ or stationary railway watchmen.

The issue was raised by YSR Congress Party MP Maddila Gurumoorthy, who sought to know whether the government was aware that existing RUBs, particularly in the Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency, were frequently waterlogged even during light to moderate rainfall, posing risks to pedestrians, vehicles and animals.

Vaishnaw said there are 43 RUBs in the Tirupati constituency. During the last monsoon, waterlogging was reported for short durations at three locations, which was promptly addressed using heavy-duty pumping arrangements.

“Railways are working with municipal and other local bodies for integrated drainage solutions at subway locations,” he said, listing coordination with civic agencies as a key part of long-term mitigation measures.

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The minister said the overall objective of the exercise is to ensure that RUBs and subways remain functional throughout the year, even during periods of heavy rainfall.