In response to plummeting temperatures and the forecast of dense fog, the East Central Railway (ECR) has initiated a comprehensive winter safety campaign, which became operational this Monday. This proactive step addresses the deteriorating visibility across numerous fog-affected sections, primarily within the Danapur division of ECR and the North Central Railway (NCR), which has raised significant alarms regarding both operational and passenger safety.
Enhanced Protocols for Fog-Prone Zones
According to Saraswati Chandra, the Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of ECR, the railways consistently prioritizes winter safety. The current drive is particularly crucial as nearly 40% of stations under the Danapur division are located in fog-prone areas. This geographical challenge has necessitated the implementation of upgraded safety protocols to mitigate risks.
The railway administration has deployed a GPS-based winter safety system to bolster monitoring. This technology provides locomotive pilots with real-time alerts concerning approaching signals, imposed speed restrictions, and current track conditions. Complementing this technological upgrade, special counselling sessions are being organized for loco pilots. These sessions emphasize maintaining high alertness, especially during night shifts when visibility can drop abruptly without warning.
Multi-Layered Safety Mechanism Activated
"The railways has activated a multi-layered winter safety mechanism to minimise risks associated with dense fog. Technological upgrades combined with heightened human vigilance will help ensure smooth and safe train operations," stated CPRO Saraswati Chandra.
On the ground, the ECR has undertaken several physical measures to enhance visibility. At critical points identified as most vulnerable, the department has installed:
- High-intensity flashlights
- Retro-reflective posts
- Visibility Test Objects (VTOs)
- Freshly painted track-side falling lines
These markings are instrumental in helping locomotive crews gauge distance and track alignment even when thick fog reduces visibility to just a few meters, a common occurrence in the fog-prone regions of the Danapur division and NCR.
Sustained Vigilance Through Winter
The safety drive encompasses more than just infrastructure. The strategy includes enforcing extra alertness and constant monitoring, with mandatory reductions in sectional speeds where necessary. Furthermore, intensified patrolling of railway tracks will be maintained throughout the winter period, which is expected to extend until the end of February.
This holistic approach, merging cutting-edge technology with rigorous human oversight and physical enhancements, underscores the railways' commitment to navigating the challenges posed by the harsh winter fog and ensuring the secure passage of thousands of passengers daily.
