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?
Verbal Reasoning
Course of Action
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AOnly I follows
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BOnly II follows
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CEither I or II follows
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DNeither I nor II follows
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EBoth I and II follow
Answer
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