How is the Northeast Frontier Railway Enhancing Safety Measures for the Foggy Season?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Fog Safe Devices are being installed to assist Loco Pilots.
- Automatic signalling systems are upgraded for safety.
- Infrastructure is enhanced with visibility improvements.
- Training for staff emphasizes fog operation protocols.
- Continuous monitoring ensures punctuality and safety.
Guwahati, Nov 25 (NationPress) The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has initiated comprehensive measures to guarantee the safety of train operations as the foggy and adverse weather season approaches, as stated by officials on Tuesday.
NFR’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma mentioned that following the guidelines set by the Railway Board, the zone is outfitting locomotives with Fog Safe Devices to aid Loco Pilots in the detection of signals and markers during low-visibility scenarios.
Additionally, automatic signalling systems are being enhanced according to updated standards to improve reliability and safety during foggy conditions, he noted.
In preparation for the fog season, NFR has bolstered its infrastructure by ensuring the sufficient availability of detonators, utilizing lime markings on critical track points to enhance visibility, repainting signal sighting boards and level crossing gates with luminous strips, and installing LED-based flasher tail lamps on rear coaches.
The CPRO highlighted that retro-reflective STOP boards and other measures to enhance visibility are being inspected and reinforced in areas prone to fog, ensuring ongoing safety readiness. Operational strategies are also being enacted, including the rationalization of train movements to alleviate congestion during periods of reduced visibility.
As per Sharma, training and refresher courses for Loco Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots, and Guards are being held at Zonal Training Centres and Supervisor Training Centres, with a particular focus on operations during fog.
Crew change points and locomotive links are under close scrutiny to uphold punctuality and safety amid challenging weather conditions, he added.
The NFR CPRO also disclosed that Visibility Test Objects (VTOs) are being installed or verified at all necessary stations to assist Station Masters in gauging fog intensity and implementing appropriate safety measures, such as deploying fog signalmen or placing detonators.
NFR assures passengers that all essential operational, technical, and safety protocols are in effect to facilitate safe and dependable travel during the foggy season and encourages them to stay informed through official communication channels.
The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), which serves the Northeastern states along with seven districts of West Bengal and five districts of north Bihar, commands over 7,362 Track Kilometres (TKM) within its jurisdiction.