Train safety device under a cloud, tests show snags
The Railways’ winter preparation to run trains safely In foggy conditions, especially at night, suffered a
setback as the global positioning system-based (GPS) fog safe device has failed to produce the desired result during trials.
The trials were carried out in trains in the Delhi- Ambala section last winter, which is known for its dense...
more... fog cover.
The device, which calculates the distance between trains and approaching signals through receptors and helps drivers spot the signal beforehand, was tested in over 400 trains.
“The trials for the fog safe device were successfully carried out last winter. The response from loco pilots was encouraging. But certain grey areas were noticed in the device because of which, at present, it will not be installed in trains,” A K Sachan, Divisional
Manager of Northern Railway’s Delhi Division, said.
Officials said the device wouldn’t be installed in any of the Northern Railway trains — express, mail or freight — this season.
Sources said the device was unable to read the accurate distance of approaching signals. “The device
warned the driver about the presence of a signal, but failed to accurately
read the distance between the train and the signal. This discrepancy was detected,” an official said.
Snags in the signaling system of the device were also noticed, the sources said.
“Certain modifications have been carried out in the device by the technical experts. The fog safe device
will be tested again on the Delhi-Ambala stretch,” a senior official said.
The Railways face a huge challenge
in operating trains in Delhi, Ambala, Agra, Allahabad and Bihar sections, where dense fog during winter
reduces visibility to a few metres.
Many trains get delayed and cancelled because of this.
SOURCE-LOCO Pilot Indian Railway
