Indian Railways Installs Fog Safety Devices On Trains For Smooth Operations

With the aim of ensuring smooth train operation during fog in northern parts of the country, Indian Railways has installed fog safety devices in locomotives.

Fog safety devices in locomotives are expected to enhance the maximum train speed from 60 kmph to 75 kmph during foggy/inclement weather conditions.

According to the railways, several steps have been taken to ensure smooth operations of trains during the fog which include use of detonators and other methods.

Detonating signals, otherwise known as detonators or fog signals, are devices which are fixed on the rails and when an engine passes over them, they explode with a loud sound so as to attract the attention of the driver.

The railways has issued instruction for lime marking across the track at the sighting board.

All signal sighting boards, whistle boards, fog signal posts and busy vulnerable level crossing gates which are accident prone should either be painted or provided with yellow/black luminous strips.

Lifting barriers at busy level crossings, where necessary, to be provided with yellow/black luminous indication strips.

The new existing seating-cum-luggage rake (SLRs) are already being fitted with LED-based flasher tail light, therefore, the existing SLRs with fixed red lights should be modified and fixed with LED lights. This will be a very important step to ensure safety in foggy weather.

It should be ensured that retro reflective strip in sigma shape for identification of stop signal be provided as per existing instructions.

Loco pilots have been instructed to observe all precautions during the foggy season.

During fog, when the loco pilot in his judgement feels that visibility is restricted due to fog, he shall run at a speed at which he can control the train so as to be prepared to stop short of any obstruction; this speed shall in any case not be more than 75 Kmph.