Tri-Netra to help trains beat fog delays

By end-2017, about 3,000 trains may have system used by the air force

To beat delays due to fog in winter, the Indian Railways will soon introduce Tri-Netra (third eye) - the same technology used by air force pilots in rough weather - for train drivers.

By the end of 2017, about 3,000 trains could have high-sensitive infrared video cameras and a radar-based terrain-mapping system to enhance visibility of locomotive pilots. At least seven defence sector companies - from Israel, Finland, the US, Austria and India - have submitted expressions of interest (EoIs) to be part of project.

The railway ministry is likely to call on price bids by the end of January. Major companies involved with such operations in the defence sector are Elbit Systems from Israel, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and Tata Power SED.

In the current winter, about 40 to 60 trains are cancelled and about 20 trains are delayed every day because of fog. Once Tri-Netra is introduced the problem of delays and cancellations would be addressed - trains could run at speeds of 25-40 km per hour even during fog or heavy rain.

The cost for implementing the new system, however, is yet to be determined.

"In fog, we lose a lot of revenue and it also creates inconvenience for passengers," said an official close to the development, adding that since no other railway network uses such technology, Indian Railways would have to depend on defence companies for it. "Tri-Netra will be designed so that drivers get information at least a kilometre ahead of their position," said the official. "With the current technology, it is no more than 200-300 metres."
 

 

 

According to the EoI, Tri-Netra will be made up of high-resolution optical video cameras, high-sensitivity infra-red video cameras and a radar-based terrain-mapping system. "These three components shall act as the three eyes of the locomotive pilot. The view will be seen on a screen before the pilot," the official added. Tri-Netra is an acronym for "Terrain imaging for diesel drivers, infra-red, enhanced optical and radar assisted system".

Once the railway ministry floats a tender, the final bidders will be announced within six weeks and orders will be placed by end-March. The concept of Tri-Netra was floated by the development cell in railways, taking a cue from the technologies.