In a strategic move to combat the challenges posed by dense fog during the winter season, Indian Railways has rolled out 19,742 Fog Pass Devices across its network. Aimed at enhancing the reliability of train services, reducing delays, and bolstering overall passenger safety, this initiative is a significant step towards ensuring smooth rail operations in foggy weather.
Key Features of Fog Pass Devices:
- GPS-Based Navigation:
- Fog Pass Device is a GPS-based navigation system designed to assist loco pilots in navigating during dense fog conditions.
- Real-time Information:
- Provides on-board real-time information, both display and voice guidance, to loco pilots about fixed landmarks, including signals, level crossing gates (manned & unmanned), permanent speed restrictions, and neutral sections.
- Approach Indications:
- Displays approach indications of the next three fixed landmarks in geographical order, accompanied by a voice message approximately 500m on approach.
Details of Fog Pass Devices Provisioned to Zonal Railways:
| S.No. | Zonal Railways | Number of Devices Provisioned |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central Railway | 560 |
| 2 | Eastern Railway | 1103 |
| 3 | East Central Railway | 1891 |
| 4 | East Coast Railway | 375 |
| 5 | Northern Railway | 4491 |
| 6 | North Central Railway | 1289 |
| 7 | North Eastern Railway | 1762 |
| 8 | Northeast Frontier Railway | 1101 |
| 9 | North Western Railway | 992 |
| 10 | South Central Railway | 1120 |
| 11 | South Eastern Railway | 2955 |
| 12 | South East Central Railway | 997 |
| 13 | South Western Railway | 60 |
| 14 | West Central Railway | 1046 |
| Total | 19742 |
General Features of Fog Pass Device:
- Suitable for all types of sections: single line, double line, electrified, as well as non-electrified sections.
- Compatible with all types of electric and diesel locomotives, EMUs/MEMUs/DEMUs.
- Suitable for train speeds up to 160 KMPH.
- Built-in rechargeable battery backup for 18 hours.
- Portable, compact, lightweight (not more than 1.5 Kg, including battery), and robust design.
- Loco pilots can easily carry the device to the locomotive on resuming their duty.
- Can be placed on the cab desk of the locomotive.
- A standalone system unaffected by weather conditions like fog, rain, or sunshine.
Indian Railways remains committed to adopting advanced technologies for a safer and more efficient rail travel experience.