Field trials of train collision avoidance system undertaken

Safety system aims at preventing train accidents caused due to driver's fault of ignoring signal or in case of over-speeding

Railways have taken up field trials of train collision avoidance system, which provides real-time display of signalling information inside locomotive cab, on the 250-km Lingampalli-Bidar section of Secunderabad Division.

The safety system, which is being indigenously developed by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, in association with Indian vendors, aims at preventing train accidents caused due to driver's fault of ignoring signal or in case of over-speeding, said a senior Railways Ministry official.

Besides, trials of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) based on the European Train Control System technology have also been undertaken in a few sections.

TPWS trials on the 50-km Chennai-Gummidipundi Suburban section and the 200-km Nizamuddin-Agra section are being undertaken.

Gatiman Express which runs at a maximum speed of 160 kmph on Delhi-Agra section has been equipped with TPWS.

The 25-km Dum Dum-Kavi Subhash section of Kolkata Metro is also equipped with TPWS.

To ensure safety, all electric locomotives are equipped with Vigilance Control Device to ensure alertness of loco pilot.

According to railways, all safety category railway employees are given structured training as per prescribed periodicity at various stages of their career. They also undergo mandatory refresher training programmes.

Due emphasis is laid on practical training which help assimilate technology transferred and skill upgradation. Safety category staff are also given training in disaster management, it said.