ECoR strengthens train safety measures for foggy winter season


East Coast Railway (ECoR) has implemented precautionary measures to ensure safe train operations during the foggy winter season across its jurisdiction. This initiative addresses the dense fog that frequently occurs at night and in the early morning in several areas under ECoR.

Every winter, the railways adopt measures to mitigate risks caused by foggy weather conditions and prevent incidents. Key safety initiatives include the use of luminous and fluorescent strips on overhead equipment masts, level crossings, and approaching stop signals. These visual aids assist locomotive pilots in identifying critical points even in low-visibility conditions, as noted by officials.

The railways have also enforced speed regulations during foggy weather, limiting train speeds to 60 kmph in low-visibility situations. Locomotive pilots are permitted to determine a safe and comfortable speed, prioritising passenger safety over punctuality, according to the sources.

Ashoka Kumar Mishra, ECoR's chief spokesperson, stated that passenger safety remains the highest priority. He explained that ECoR has introduced a detonator system comprising flat, red-coloured metal containers with explosives that produce an audible warning when trains pass over them. He added that station managers have been provided with adequate detonators and trained to evaluate visibility conditions for deploying the system.

As part of additional safety measures, ECoR has implemented a cold weather patrolling system using trained winter patrolmen, installed LED-based flasher taillights with luminous indication strips, and mandated the use of red tail lamps during nighttime and low-visibility conditions. Regular surprise checks and footplate inspections are conducted between midnight and 7 a.m.

ECoR has further reinforced its operational procedures by organizing regular counselling sessions for train-running staff, installing luminous barriers at busy level crossings, and implementing stringent monitoring systems during foggy conditions. Guards have been trained to oversee speed compliance, and locomotive pilots are advised to whistle frequently to warn nearby gatemen and road users of approaching trains. Mishra emphasized that ECoR continuously monitors and upgrades its safety protocols to ensure secure rail operations during adverse weather conditions.

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