Rail safety — Landslides causing derailments: identify suitable preventive actions Statement: Frequent train derailments in hilly areas have occurred due to landslides causing loss of life. Which courses of action follow logically?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Both I and II follow

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In steep terrain, landslides threaten railway safety. Effective policy must both detect hazards early and reduce the likelihood of debris reaching tracks. The proposed actions address these two fronts: operational monitoring and physical slope stabilization.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Derailments have occurred due to landslides in hilly areas.
  • Course I: Deploy pilot engines ahead of passenger trains to provide early warning.
  • Course II: Strengthen hill slopes with meshes to prevent boulders from falling onto tracks.
  • Assume resources can be allocated where risk is high.


Concept / Approach:

  • Risk mitigation happens via detection (operational) and prevention (engineering controls).
  • Pilot engines can detect obstructions; slope stabilization reduces rockfall incidence.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Course I addresses immediate operational safety by scouting the line and warning following trains.Course II addresses root causes by physically limiting rockfall and debris movement toward the track.Together, they form a layered defense—both are logical and relevant.


Verification / Alternative check:

Real-world railways deploy patrols, pilot engines in monsoon seasons, rockfall barriers, nets, and retaining structures—these mirror I and II.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Only I / Only II: Each alone leaves a gap—either no prevention or no early warning.Either I or II: Not an either–or; a combined approach is safer.Neither: Ignores the clear causal risk stated.


Common Pitfalls:

Assuming a single measure suffices in complex terrain; safety typically needs both engineering and operational controls.


Final Answer:

Both I and II follow

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