Ahmedabad Division To Install Anti-Climbing Devices On 30,000 OHE Poles To Prevent Monkey-Related Train Disruptions
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Ahmedabad Division of Western Railway will install anti-climbing devices on more than 30,000 overhead electrification (OHE) poles to prevent monkeys from climbing electric poles and triggering short circuits and power supply disruptions. The project, estimated to cost around ₹9.15 crore, will also include bird deterrent discs to reduce short circuits caused by birds and their nests.
25-30 Power Disruptions Reported Every Month
The Ahmedabad Division has more than 30,000 OHE poles spread across over 1,450 km of electrified routes. More than 165 incidents involving monkeys climbing electric poles have been reported so far this year, averaging around 25-30 incidents every month.
When monkeys climb the poles, they can be electrocuted and damage overhead wires. Their tails may also come into contact with electrical equipment, triggering short circuits and causing the power supply to trip.
Such disruptions can affect train operations for hours, leaving passengers stranded in forests or isolated areas.
Pilot Project On Gandhigram-Botad Route Shows Results
The railway had earlier installed anti-monkey devices on a pilot basis along the Gandhigram-Botad route. The initiative reportedly helped reduce incidents involving damage to overhead electrification lines and power supply disruptions.
The route previously recorded around 35-40 power supply disruption incidents every month. Following the pilot project’s reported success, more than 1,050 anti-monkey devices have now been installed along the route.
Monkey activity is also higher around the Dholka, Palanpur and Sabarkantha sections, particularly near forested and rural areas.
How Anti-Monkey Devices Work
The anti-monkey or anti-climbing device is a circular or cone-shaped disc made of metal, fibre or other materials. It is fitted around the middle section of an electric pole, a few metres above the ground.
Its large, smooth and slippery surface prevents monkeys and other animals from getting a grip on the pole and climbing towards the overhead wires. Each device costs approximately ₹1,000-2,000.
Bird Deterrent Discs To Prevent Short Circuits
Along with anti-climbing devices, bird deterrent discs or spikes will be installed on poles to stop birds from sitting or building nests on them.
The measures are aimed at preventing short circuits caused by nests, dry twigs and other debris coming into contact with electrical equipment.
Railway Expects Fewer Delays And Animal Deaths
The new system is expected to reduce OHE faults and power tripping, improving the reliability of the power supply and helping trains operate more smoothly.
It will also reduce the chances of trains remaining stuck for hours in forests or isolated areas because of power failures. The measures are intended to prevent accidental deaths of monkeys and birds caused by electrocution.
