Indian Railways has the densest and busiest rail transport system in the world, and with the advancement in technology, the Railways in India is taking huge strides. However, every year, during foggy weather in the winter months, a large number of trains are affected especially in the northern parts of the country. The delays results in losses in terms of revenue, as well as causes problem for the millions of travellers.
To ensure smooth rail operations, Indian Railways have provisioned 19,742 Fog Pass Devices during the foggy weather. This initiative marks a crucial step in improving the reliability of train services, reducing delays, and enhancing overall passenger safety.
Also read: All you need to know about Indian Railways’ Amrit Bharat Train
What is Fog Pass Device?
Fog Pass Device is a GPS based navigation device that helps the loco pilot to navigate during dense fog conditions. It provides on-board real-time information (Display as well as voice guidance) to Loco Pilots regarding location of fixed landmarks such as Signal, Level Crossing gate (Manned & Unmanned), Permanent Speed Restrictions, Neutral Sections etc.
It displays approach indications of next three approaching fixed landmarks in geographical order accompanied with voice message approximately 500 metre on approach.
Fog Pass Device: Features
– Suitable for all types of sections like single line, double line, electrified as well as non electrified sections
– Suitable for all types of electric and diesel locomotives, EMUs/MEMUs/ DEMUs
– Suitable for train speeds up to 160 KMPH
– It has built-in re-chargeable battery back-up for 18 hrs
– It is portable, compact in size, light in weight (not more than 1.5 Kg including battery) and of robust design
– Loco Pilot can carry the device easily with him to the locomotive on resuming his duty
– It can be easily placed on the cab desk of locomotive
– It is unaffected by weather conditions like Fog, Rain or Sunshine.
Among the 14 zones of the Indian Railways, Northern Railway will procure the most 4491 devices, followed by South Eastern Railway with 2955 devices and East Central Railway with 1891 devices. The South Western Railway gets the least 60 devices.