Railway intensifies Night Track Patrolling to ensure safe rail operations during winter
Harish Monga
Ferozepur, January 19, 2026:
To ensure safe, secure and uninterrupted train operations during the winter season marked by dense fog, mist and low temperatures, the Ferozepur Railway Division has intensified night-time track patrolling across all sections.
As part of this safety drive, trackmen, patrolmen and keymen carry out rigorous inspections of railway tracks daily from 11 pm to 7 am. Equipped with torches, fog signals, two tri-colour hand signal lamps, two red flags and one green flag, along with protective clothing and safety jackets, the staff maintain close surveillance of the tracks in harsh weather conditions.
While most people are indoors, night patrolling staff brave temperatures as low as 2–3 degrees Celsius, covering nearly 16 kilometres on foot to ensure track safety. The patrol teams regularly exchange ‘all right’ signals with gatemen at level crossing gates and loco pilots of passing trains to maintain constant alertness.
To strengthen monitoring, trackmen have been provided with Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers, enabling real-time tracking of their location and patrolling speed. Any defect or abnormality noticed on the track during patrolling is immediately reported to the concerned supervisor for prompt action. The trackmen, patrolmen and keymen have been given proper training on all safety-related aspects.
The night track patrolling system has been implemented across all rail sections keeping the winter season in view. Senior railway officials also conduct night inspections to motivate staff and ensure strict compliance with safety protocols.
Divisional Railway Manager Sanjeev Kumar said that ensuring the safety of trains and passengers during the winter season is the top priority of the Ferozepur Division, and all possible efforts are being made by railway staff to guarantee safe and secure train operations.