The Ministry of Railways has introduced a new device called Fog Pass to improve train operations during severe winter conditions. With around 20,000 devices in use, Fog Pass is a low-cost GPS device that provides real-time information to loco pilots. It not only displays necessary information but also offers voice-based prompts to ensure safe navigation without distractions. The device helps loco pilots navigate in dense fog by providing information about signals, level crossing gates, speed restrictions, and neutral sections. Fog Pass features a compact antenna, a rechargeable battery, and a 15-day memory capacity for diagnostics.
As winter has started getting severe, train operations have been affected a lot, resulting in delays and several cancellations. To counter that, the
Ministry of Railways
has started adding a new device in the trains to make sure that trains run on time and offer overall smooth-running operations and also passenger safety.
The device in question is “Fog Pass” and around 20,000 devices are in work to ensure smooth operation of the trains. In this article we look into the device’s features and how it works to make trains run smoothly even in dense fog situations.
What is a Fog Pass device and how it works
Fog Pass is a low-cost GPS device that’s aimed at offering loco pilots with necessary information in real-time. The device not only shows the necessary information, it also has a voice-based prompt to make loco pilots aware of the upcoming situation without causing much distraction.
The GPS-based device is designed to help loco pilots navigate easily in foggy conditions by providing them with necessary information to ensure safe and smooth running of the trains. The device provides real-time information like various types of signals 500-metres ahead of it,
Level Crossing
gate, Speed restrictions and Neutral Sections.
It is to be noted that the accuracy levels can vary with the Fog Pass device, but it acts as an additional source of real-time information for loco pilots and help them make right decisions based on it to prevent any accidents.
The Fog Pass device features a compact antenna that detects the locomotive's location, continuously calculating the distance to pre-loaded landmarks. With a 15-day memory capacity for essential diagnostic events, it houses a rechargeable battery offering 18 hours of operation.
Designed as a cost-effective GPS-based tool,
FogPASS
is handed to loco-pilots for guidance in dense fog. Providing real-time information through display and voice guidance, it alerts loco pilots to fixed landmarks like signals, level crossing gates, speed restrictions, and neutral sections. The device displays approach indications for the next three landmarks, with a voice message at 500 meters on approach.
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