Railway ministry prepares for winter travel season

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-02 19:21

BEIJING -- An official with the Ministry of Railways said departments at all levels must make proper arrangements to cope with winter weather and ensure transport safety.

On Tuesday, Vice Minister Hu Yadong said local bureaus should prevent damages to tracks caused by strong wind and snowstorms, keep tracks in good condition by dusting them with salt, improve drainage systems and add insulation boards.

He said preparations should focus historically vulnerable areas, especially sections on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway.

Once authorities detected damage on tracks, they must order trains to reduce speed or even stop.

Hu also required local departments to prepare for adverse weather, keep a close look on changes in wind speeds and provide timely warnings to prevent accidents.

According to the vice minister, spare diesel locomotives and power generators for all track sections and snow-melting devices for the railway between Beijing and Tianjin would be ready by the end of December.

Early in October, 36 directors from local railway bureaus inspected 243 locomotives to eliminate winter transport dangers.

With the Chinese Lunar New Year less than two months away, the country's railway system is gearing up for surging passenger flows.

In February, snow storms and chilly temperatures froze key sections of the transport network as people were heading home for the traditional festival. Millions were stranded.