New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday informed that several steps has been taken in order to avoid delay in train scheduled due to the foogy weather.

In a press release on Tuesday, the Ministry of Railways said, “To enhance the level of safety for trains operations during foggy season, Indian Railways have taken various steps to ensure smooth operations of trains during fog in Northern parts of the country.”

Steps Taken To Avoid Train Delay

It has been decided that with the use of fog devices in locomotives, the maximum permissible speed during foggy/inclement weather condition can be enhanced from 60 kmph to 75 kmph.

Reliable Fog safe devices, if available, may be provided to the Loco Pilots in all locomotives running in fog affected areas during fog.

Placement of detonators and adequate supply of detonators to be ensured. Detonating signals, otherwise known as detonators or fog signals, are appliances which are fixed on the rails and when an engine passes over them, they explode with a loud report so as to attract the attention of the Driver.

Lime marking across the track at the sighting board (or at distant signal in case of double distant signals) must be done.

Seating Cum Luggage Rake

The new existing Seating Cum Luggage Rake(SLRs) are already being fitted with LED based flasher tail light, therefore, the existing SLRs with fixed Red Lights should be modified and fixed with LED lights.

It should be ensured that retro reflective strip in Sigma shape for identification of stop signal be provided as per existing instructions.

Fog affected Railways should review the crew changing locations. In view of increased hours on road, the Railways may create infrastructure at new/additional crew changing locations. Simultaneously, the loco/crew/rake links be reviewed during the period of fog. All crews (Loco Pilots/Assistant Loco Pilots and Guards) on stationary duty should be utilized for train working especially during fog.

Precautions

Loco Pilots to observe all precautions during foggy season. During fog, when the loco pilot in his judgment feels that visibility is restricted due to fog, he shall run at a speed at which he can control the train so as to be prepared to stop short of any obstruction; this speed shall in any case not be more than 75 Kmph.

Loco Pilots to whistle frequently to warn the gatemen and road users of an approaching train at level crossings.