Central Railway is adopting an innovative, eco-friendly and sustainable solution for prevention of soil erosion and ensuring safe and uninterrupted train working in the Ghat sections through Vetiver Grass-based bioengineering.
The Ghat sections, particularly the Bhor Ghat (Karjat-Lonavala) and Thal Ghat (Kasara-Igatpuri), are vulnerable to soil erosion, surface runoff, boulder falling and shallow landslides during monsoon, which pose a serious challenge to safe train operations. To address this, Central Railway is exploring large-scale use of Vetiver Grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides) as a natural slope stabilization measure.
Vetiver, known as a high-performance bioengineering plant under the globally recognized Vetiver System (VS), is highly effective in stabilizing soil, reducing surface runoff, trapping eroded sediment and restoring slopes.
The plant develops a dense, predominantly vertical root system which grows to 3 to 4 metres within 12 to 24 months. This strong fibrous root network acts as a natural reinforcement, binding the soil and increasing soil shear resistance by approximately 30–40%, thereby significantly reducing the risk of slumping and shallow slope failure.
On Central Railway, pilot plantations have already been undertaken for embankment protection in the South-East Ghat section as follows:
· On the Khandala – Monkey Hill section near UP line side at Km. 122/0-122/15 – Area of plantation: 1050 Sqm
· On the Thakurwadi Cabin – Palasdhari section near MID line side between Km. 106/600-700 – Area of plantation: 4250 Sqm
For railway applications in Ghats, Vetiver hedges are being planted in contour lines on cutting slopes and embankments. The deep root system holds the soil in place, while the dense above-ground foliage acts as a porous barrier to slow down surface runoff, prevent gully formation, increase water infiltration and trap silt. Over time, trapped sediment helps in the formation of natural terraces, further stabilizing the slopes.
This nature-based solution will help Central Railway in:
– Preventing soil erosion and slope instability in Ghat sections
– Reducing instances of boulder and debris falling on tracks
– Ensuring safe, secure and punctual train operations during monsoon
– Minimizing maintenance cost of conventional protection works
Central Railway remains firmly committed to providing safe, secure and comfortable travel to its passengers, especially through the challenging and ecologically sensitive Ghat sections. By integrating sustainable, nature-based solutions like Vetiver bioengineering with conventional engineering measures, Central Railway is not only strengthening the stability of its slopes and embankments but also ensuring all-weather safe train operations, enhanced passenger safety and environmental protection.