Bhubaneswar: With foggy weather posing potential challenges to train operations during the winter months, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has launched a three-month special safety drive from November 10 to February 9, 2027, to minimise operational risks and ensure passenger safety. The drive is being undertaken across the Khurda Road, Sambalpur and Rayagada divisions, with officers, supervisors and staff from all departments involved in strengthening safety preparedness and ensuring strict compliance with operational procedures. As part of the initiative, special emphasis is being laid on maintaining signal visibility, ensuring the availability of essential safety equipment and enhancing preparedness at railway stations.
Station Managers have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of detonators and ensure proper training of fog signalmen. Visibility of signals and prescribed visibility test objects will also be monitored regularly, with any obstruction or deterioration in visibility promptly reported to control offices.
To assist Loco Pilots in identifying signals during foggy conditions, adequate Fog Safe ty Devices (FSDs) will be made available at crew lobbies. Retro-reflective indications, luminous strips and visibility boards at signals, level crossing gates and other vulnerable locations will also be maintained. Loco Pilots and Assistant Loco Pilots have been advised to exercise extra caution and reg ulate train speed according to prevailing visibility conditions. Train speed during fog will not exceed 75 kmph, subject to the Loco Pilot’s judgement and prescribed signal aspects. In case an FSD is unavailable or develops a fault during the journey, the maximum permissible speed will be restricted to 60 kmph or less. Loco Pilots have also been instructed to whistle frequently to alert gatemen and road users about approaching trains. The railway has also directed Train Managers to ensure compliance with prescribed speed restrictions and proper functioning of flashing red tail lamps fitted to the last vehicle of trains during poor visibility.
Meanwhile, the Engineering Department will undertake cold-weather patrolling at locations prone to rail fractures and other vulnerabilities. Trimming of tree branches, removal of bushes and maintenance of track infrastructure will also form part of the exercise. Signal and telecommunication staff will focus on the proper functioning of signal lights, cleaning of signal glasses and upkeep of luminous indications at level crossings