Central Railway (CR) on Sunday announced that it has taken a significant leap in ensuring the safety of train operations during foggy weather with the utilisation of a GPS-enabled device that alerts loco pilots of upcoming signals.
“Aimed at assisting loco pilots when signal visibility is poor, the innovative technology of the Fog Safety Device (FSD) acts as a crucial aid, significantly reducing the risks associated with low visibility conditions,” said CR chief spokesperson Shivraj Manaspure.
The device notifies loco pilots of the upcoming three signals through both audio and visual indications. It also indicates the intermediate distance between the locomotive and the signal, ensuring that they are better prepared for the upcoming changes.
By announcing signal names 500 meters ahead of the actual location of the signal, it helps loco pilots to be more vigilant and better equipped in handling safety of the train. “During instances of low visibility caused by fog, speed of trains typically ranges between 30 kmph and 60 kmph. However, the implementation of the FSD allows for a maximum speed of up to 75 kmph, thereby minimising train detention periods and enhancing punctuality,” Manaspure said.
The Mumbai division has 10 Fog Safety Devices while Bhusawal has 248, Nagpur 220, Solapur nine and Pune 10. “With a total distribution of 497 devices across various divisions, CR reaffirms its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology for the safety and efficiency of train operations, especially during adverse weather conditions,” he said.
An order has been placed for 500 more FSDs, including 120 for Mumbai, 80 for Pune, 100 for Bhusawal, 80 for Solapur and 120 for Nagpur divisions, he said.
