Trains will be formed in the region to combat flooding

      Kirov railway workers have begun scheduled work to prepare for the trouble-free passage of flood waters, the Kirov region of the Russian Railways reported. The ministry said that five anti-erosion trains have been formed in the region to prevent and eliminate the consequences of erosion and damage to infrastructure. These trains will include wagons with tools, crushed stone, rubble, sleepers and platforms with rail packages. The trains will be based at Kotelnich-1, Murashi, Zuyevka, Yar and Shlakovaya stations.

      To ensure trouble-free passage of the flood, GZhD employees will clear more than 400 km of ditches from snow, open more than 700 drainage ditches and about 500 technological openings of small bridges and culverts.

      In the area of control of specialists there are engineering structures that fall into the "route" of flood waters, including six dams. Maximum attention and efforts will be attracted to the Ardashi —Prosnitsa section (Ardashinsky slope). A permanent observation post will be set up there for the flood period.

      The territories of traction substations are also being cleared of snow, and channels for the passage of meltwater are being equipped. The contact network is regularly inspected, and compensating devices are being diagnosed. As noted in the Kirov region of the GZhD, in case of severe flooding, power engineers bring crushed stone to the supports of the contact network and pour it in for more stable support.

      "Flood control measures on the Gorky Railway are carried out in order to ensure the safety of train traffic, the safety of the track, engineering structures, facilities and infrastructure of the highway during the period of intense snowmelt and ice drift," the Kirov region of the Russian Railways reported.