Practical Tips for Good Surface Drainage

Practical Tips for Good Surface Drainage

The following measures will ensure that the track drainage system gives a good performance.

Maintain proper cess level Tracks on embankments get drained as long as the proper cess levels are maintained and the ballast is clean. However, in cuttings and in yards, where water cannot recede freely and quickly from the track, a well-planned drainage system must be provided.

No vegetation There should be no growth of vegetation in the track, as this indicates clogging of the ballast and a lack of adequate track drainage. Such stretches of tracks should be overhauled or deep screened. The ballast should be clean so that rainwater can easily flow out of the track.

Area below rail foot to be clear About 25 to 50 mm of the area below the rail foot should be kept clear of any ballast, earth, or cinder on all lines inside and outside the yards. This would enable good surface flow as well as avoid corrosion and failure of track circuits.

Cleaning and repair of drains All drains should be cleaned and repaired as a part of annual through packing, not only on run-through lines but also on all other running lines in yards.