Ranchi Rajdhani to have fire alarm system

Passengers in AC train coaches will receive early alarms in the event of a fire as Railways has begun installing an advanced safety system which will stop trains automatically after detection of smoke and fire.
Trials for the system in Bhubaneswar Rajdhani, which actually averted two fire tragedies so far, has encouraged Railways to install it in Ranchi Rajdhani.
"After the successful trial in Bhubaneswar Rajdhani, Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala has installed the improved fire alarm system on one more LHB rake which will be used in Ranchi Rajdhani train," said a senior Railway Ministry official.
The Very Early Warning Smoke Detection System has provision of interfacing with the air brake system of the coaches so that in the event of fire alarm, trains get stopped.

According to Railways, fire in coaches become deadly as it spreads due to the train running full speed, with passengers not getting chances to exit.
As a significant step, Railways has developed fire and smoke detection system in coaches which is capable of checking and giving alarm during initial stages of fire, thereby providing valuable time for passengers to shift to safe areas and also evacuation.
"It is a constant endeavour on the part of Railways to improve safety of passengers and accordingly the system is being installed in more coaches," said the official, adding, "The system is however, suitable for controlled environment of AC coaches only."

The official said there are plans to install the system in more trains in due course.