Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, has made a big stride toward making passengers safe while upgrading train operations. Indian Railways has taken a simple yet robust solution right when the foggy periods start to arrive, which usually cause severe obstacles to smooth train movement. The company fitted 19,742 fog pass devices across the country in a bid to make passengers’ travel safer, speedier, and more dependable, especially in regions often hit by dense fog during these periods.
What is a Fog Pass Device?
It is a GPS-based innovation in navigation, which will be especially helpful for train drivers operating during foggy conditions. It gives real-time data about speed limits, gate positions at level crossings and signal positions, and informs the driver about what has to be done on track. The advanced system of audio guidance ensures a pre-information of any obstacle or importance. Due to this feature, one gets to know even under fog conditions the problem so that one does not come across a problem, so to say.
Some Essential Characteristics of Fog Pass Apparatus:
The fog pass device is designed to work under different conditions and is thus a very versatile solution for Indian Railways. Here are some of the key features of the device:
- Universal Suitability: Suitable for any train section such as single-line, double line, electrified, or non-electrified sections.
- Versatility in Usage of Locomotives: Supports all types of electric locomotives like EMUs (Electric Multiple Units), MEMUs (Mainline Electric Multiple Units), and DEMUs (Diesel Electric Multiple Units).
- Speed Capability: It can run at the train speed of up to 160 km/h. Thus, it also operates on high-speed trains.
- Long Lasting Batteries: The fog pass device is supplied with a rechargeable backup battery that runs for about 18 hours, hence it will operate without disruption during shifts.
- Compact & Light Weighing: The device weighs less than 1.5 kg, along with the battery. Its portability has made it easy for the loco pilots to take it to their respective stations.
- Easy of Use: The device is easy to use and mounts easily on the cab desk of the locomotive.
- Weather Resistant: The fog pass device functions efficiently under all weather conditions, fog, rain, and sunlight, ensuring uninterrupted service regardless of external weather challenges.
Regional Distribution of Fog Pass Devices
Fog pass devices have been installed across all the major zones of the Indian Railways network so that the trains are equipped with this life-saving device in the most vulnerable regions. Below is the breakup of the number of devices provided for each zone:
| Zonal Railway | Number of Devices |
|---|---|
| Central Railway | 560 |
| Eastern Railway | 1,103 |
| East Central Railway | 1,891 |
| East Coast Railway | 375 |
| Northern Railway | 4,491 |
| North Central Railway | 1,289 |
| North Eastern Railway | 1,762 |
| Northeast Frontier Railway | 1,101 |
| North Western Railway | 992 |
| South Central Railway | 1,120 |
| South Eastern Railway | 2,955 |
| South East Central Railway | 997 |
| South Western Railway | 60 |
| West Central Railway | 1,046 |
| Total | 19,742 |
Benefits of Fog Pass Devices
Installation of 19,742 fog pass devices is part of the commitment of Indian Railways towards making the train service safer and operate smoothly. The said devices assist in minimizing delays, ensuring passenger safety, and ensuring reliability of the network in its entirety through provision of real-time data to the drivers on the areas that they will drive through which might face the problem of poor visibility due to the conditions caused by the weather in relation to fogs.
- Better Safety: Being in possession of real time information, the driver is placed in a better position about handling the conditions of fogginess and avoidance of derailment and injuring passengers.
- Fewer Delay: Trains are most often subject to delay when there’s fog due to lack of a clear view. The fog pass device avails a chance for the best accuracy in train navigation.
- Improved Communication: This audio guide will ensure that the driver is on time to take signals, thus reducing chances of missing some critical signals or alerts.
Conclusion
Implementing fog pass devices by Indian Railways has taken a major stride towards the safety of trains under conditions of fogginess. The installation of over 19,000 devices makes the railway network much better to cope with poor visibility-related challenges. The initiative clearly indicates Indian Railways’s intent to modernize infrastructure and bring the passengers on priority lists. When Indian Railways upgrade its technological capabilities, these devices would play a significant role in molding the future of train operation in India.
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