Steps taken to avoid delay of trains during foggy weather

HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Dec 7: Indian Railways have taken various steps to ensure smooth operations of trains during foggy weather in Northern and portion of Eastern parts of the country.
It has been decided that with the use of fog devices in locomotives, the maximum permissible speed during foggy/inclement weather conditions can be enhanced from 60 kmph to 75 kmph. Reliable Fog safe devices will be provided to the loco pilots in all locomotives running in fog affected areas during fog. Placement of detonators to alert loco pilots will 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. Limes marking across the track at the sighting board are being done. All signal sighting boards, whistle boards, fog signal posts and busy vulnerable level crossing gates which are accident prone are being painted and provided with yellow/black luminous strips. The work of repainting for proper visibility will be completed before onset of foggy season. lifting barriers at busy level crossings, where necessary, will be provided with yellow/black luminous indication strips.
The new existing seating cum luggage rake (SLRs) are already being fitted with LED based flasher tail lights, therefore, the existing SLRs with fixed red lights are being modified and fixed with LED lights. This will be a very important step to ensure safety in foggy weather. Retro reflective strips in sigma shape for identification of stop signals are being provided. In view of increased hours on road, the Railways may create infrastructure at new/additional crew changing locations. Simultaneously, the loco/crew/rake links are reviewed during the period of fog. All crews (loco pilots/assistant loco pilots and guards) on stationary duty will be utilised for train working especially during fog. Loco pilots are instructed 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 will also whistle frequently to warn the gatemen and road users of an approaching train at level crossings.