What preventative step should be taken during winter months regarding railways?

During winter months, regular snow and ice removal is crucial for ensuring safe railway operations. Accumulation of snow and ice can create hazardous conditions that can impede train movements, affect braking efficiencies, and potentially lead to derailments. By regularly clearing tracks and surrounding areas, the risk of accidents is significantly reduced, facilitating smoother and safer transit for trains and passengers.

While inspecting rail ties is an important maintenance task at any time of year, it does not specifically address the unique challenges posed by winter weather conditions. Increasing staffing levels and conducting emergency drills are also valuable for maintaining operational readiness and safety overall, but they do not directly mitigate the immediate hazards presented by snow and ice on the tracks. Maintaining clear tracks through snow and ice removal is a practical and proactive measure tailored specifically to winter-related challenges.