Mumbai: Central Railway Installs Audio Alert Units In Motorman’s Cabins To Prevent Accidents Due To Signal Violations
Mumbai, 17th August 2023: To enhance passenger safety and prevent potential accidents caused by human error, Central Railway has taken a significant step by introducing audio alert units in the cabins of motormen. This new system aims to provide timely audio notifications to motormen about red signals on the route while operating local trains. Currently operational in 90 localities within the Mumbai division, the initiative is set to cover the remaining 60 locals, with completion expected by March 2024.
The Central Railway authorities highlighted the persistent issue of motormen inadvertently crossing red signals on suburban routes, posing a substantial risk of accidents. To address this critical concern, the decision was made to implement audio alert devices in motormen’s cabins, facilitating a safer and more secure journey for passengers.
The audio alert device is designed to preemptively signal to motormen that the upcoming signal is red, thereby enabling them to promptly bring the local train to a halt. With a total of 151 local trains in Central Railway’s fleet, the installation of two devices per train comes at a cost of 18 thousand rupees per local, considering the unit price of 9 thousand rupees per device.
The functioning of the audio alert system is as follows:
Subsequent to passing a ‘yellow’ signal along the railway track, a distinct audio alert will be triggered within the motorman’s cabin, indicating that the following signal is ‘red’ and to exercise caution.
By providing this timely warning, the audio alert unit aims to significantly reduce instances of Signal Passing at Danger (SPAD) and mitigate potential accidents on the railway tracks.
