Bhubaneswar: With dense fog conditions reported in several sections under its jurisdiction, East Coast Railway initiated a comprehensive preparedness drive to ensure safe and smooth train operations during the winter months. As per a press release, it has strengthened round-the-clock monitoring and deployed additional manpower to tackle challenges posed by reduced visibility during night and early morning hours. During dense fog, Loco Pilots have been instructed to regulate speed strictly based on visibility conditions.
Safety Counsellors and Railway Officers are continuously briefing running staff to maintain utmost caution during train operations. Emphasis is placed on safe speed—even if it results in loss of punctuality—placing passenger safety as the highest priority, the Railways said in the press release. To assist Loco Pilots in identifying signals in low visibility, luminous and fluorescent strips have been applied on OHE masts, level crossing gates, and locations ahead of critical stop signals. These reflective indications enable train crew to spot signal positions well in advance, even under dense fog conditions. Railways further said, to enhance safety during low visibility, FSDs (Fog Safe Devices) have been provided to Loco Pilots for advanced signal announcements, while detonators are being deployed at severely fog-affected locations to deliver audible warnings through pressure-activated blasts as trains approach signals. East Coast Railway has reportedly ensured adequate fog safety equipment availability across all divisions. Waltair Division has been provided with 471 FSDs, Khurda Road Division with 125 FSDs, and Sambalpur Division with 210 FSDs, it said.
Since the safety of the travelling passengers is the topmost priority, Loco Pilots have been instructed to take precautions during fog. When the loco pilot, in his judgment, feels that visibility is restricted due to fog, he has been given the authority to run at a speed at which he feels that he can control the train or stop the train whenever required without taking any risk. This speed will not in any case be more than 60kmph. The loco pilots have also been advised to whistle frequently to warn the nearby gateman and road users of the approaching train.
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