problem during fogGuwahati, Jan 11 (PTI) A new GPS-based system has beeninstalled in all the locomotives of Northeast Frontier Railwayto alert loco pilots about approaching signals and help in thetimely running of trains during heavy fog.
The equipment called FogPASS (Fog Pilot Assistancesystem for Safety), consisting of an inbuilt battery and GPSantenna with magnetic base, has been installed in allthe locomotives in NF Railway, Chief Public Relations OfficerPranav Jyoti Sharma said.
As the train moves, the new equipment will display onthe LCD screen, a short description and the remaining distanceof the next two landmarks in geographical order.
The landmarks include signals of various types andlevel crossing gates, he said.
When a train approaches a station, the device willflash the distance left for the home signal of that station.
Even if the pilot is unable to physically see thesignal, he would be aware of how far the train is from thesignal and act accordingly.
There is also a provision of voice announcement inspeakers attached with the device for drawing the attention ofthe drivers, the CPRO said.
The new system is proving to be a boon to speed uptrains during heavy fog, he said.
The device which weighs 1.5 kilogramme is carried bythe loco pilot at the time of assuming charge of thelocomotive.
A total of 1101 such devices have already beenallotted to all Divisions for fixing in locomotives.
The Railways has also deployed fogmen to placedetonators on the tracks to alert the loco pilots aboutapproaching signals, he said.
Senior Railway officials are undertaking night footplate inspection and track patrolling to detect cases of railfracture.
The Railways has also provided sufficientwalkie-talkie sets to the crew and station staff, besidessignal indication booklets to loco pilots. PTI ESB MMLNS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.