New system for train detection on key routes

New system for train detection on key routes

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TIMES NEWS NETWORK

27.01.2022

Chennai: The railways is installing a new train detection system on all the main routes — Central-Gudur, Central-Jolarpet and Egmore-Tambaram — and will be able to run services even if tracks are flooded and signals malfunction.

The multi-section digital axle counter (MSDAC) that uses electromagnetic sensors to count wheels and detect trains, their direction and speed on a track has already been installed on some sections that are prone to flooding and will be extended to the entire Chennai division in two years.

The state-of the-art system has been installed on Guduvancheri-Chengalpet third line, Egmore-Kodambakkam, Avadi-Pattabiram stretches and at stations like Chennai Egmore, Chennai Central, Omalur, Salem Town, Erode, Virapandy Road, Tirupur, Ernakulam Town, Kayamkulam, Quilon, Irumpanam in 2021-22, said Southern Railway additional general manager B G Mallya during the Republic Day celebrations on Wednesday.

Sources said sections like Egmore-Kodambakkam and Avadi-Pattabiram are prone to water logging and the new system would come in handy when signals don’t work. Work to install sensors and allied equipment on Avadi-Ambattur section is on and will be completed soon. All main routes from the city have been divided into small sections where installation will be taken up.

Chief public relations officer B Guganesan said the new system is more reliable for detecting trains not affected by the condition of tracks like water logging and traction currents. “It also helps in easy integration and implementation of a centralized traffic control and train protection system (KAVACH). The new system is being provided as a replacement to the existing systems which have completed their service life,” he added.

Other safety measures being carried out include complete track renewal of 182km along with deep screening of 788 track km till December 2021, installing 19 hot axle box detectors and online monitoring of rolling stock to detect defective wheels, bearings of coaches and locomotives.