1381 Fog Safe Devices are Under Trial on Indian Railways

1381 Fog Safe Devices are Under Trial on Indian Railways 

Technological options are being pursues by Indian Railways for prevention of accidents during conditions of poor visibility by installing notably Fog Safe Device, which is a Global Positioning System (GPS) based device installed to assist the Loco Pilot during poor visibility condition. Currently, a total of 1381 Fog Safe Devices are under trial on Northern, North Eastern and North Western Railways in fog prone areas. In addition, Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) are also under various stages of trial. 

Guidelines are already in place instructing Zonal Railways to take action during foggy season to deal with train operations as under:- 

i)To provide safeguard in train operation in Automatic Block System during foggy weather by restricting the number of trains to two between two stations. 

ii)Reduce the speed of train. 

iii)Deputing additional staff to alert the Loco Pilot through placement of detonators before the First Stop signal. 

iv)Improving the visibility of signals. 

v)Loco Pilot to take precautions, be vigilant and alert and to observe Special Rules and instructions regarding speed limits under foggy conditions. 

Indian Railways have decided to cancel 27 pairs of train services between 31.12.2014 and 15.2.2015 to ensure smooth operation of trains and safety of passengers during foggy condition. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

AKS/HK/KD/RV 

(Release ID :112808)