With dense fog conditions reported in several sections or routes under its jurisdiction and in the Northern parts of the country, East Coast Railway has initiated a comprehensive preparedness drive to ensure safe and smooth train operations during the winter months.
ECoR has strengthened round-the-clock monitoring and deployed additional manpower to tackle challenges posed by reduced visibility during night and early morning hours.
Railways follow a well-established operating protocol during fog and ECoR has further intensified efforts to enhance safety across fog-prone routes.
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.
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 the train crew to spot signal positions well in advance, even under dense fog conditions.
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 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.
Station Managers have been provided with adequate detonators and have been advised to assess whether visibility is impaired badly enough to warrant the use of detonators. The Railway Staff posted at Stations, Cabins and Gates have also been instructed to place detonators whenever there is thick fog to warn the loco pilots according to laid down rules & regulations.
The Guards of the trains have been counselled and instructed to watch that the loco-pilot does not exceed the prescribed speed limit during fog. During night as well as in the thick foggy or tempestuous weather impairing visibility during day, a Red Tail Lamp of approved design displaying a flashing Red Light to indicate last vehicle check and device should be lit on the last vehicle as per provisions. Guards have been advised to use flasher lamps during the daytime and also during fog.
Lifting barriers at Level Busy Crossings have been provided with luminous indication strips. Similarly, the rear portion of the trains is fitted with LED-based Flasher Tail Lights in addition to Flashing Red Tail Lamp, along with luminous indication strips.
ECoR has also introduced the Cold Weather Patrolling System by deputing Winter Patrolmen with proper training and monitoring. Apart from this, surprise checks and Footplate inspections are being done during late-night and early morning hours, i.e., from midnight to 0700hrs at all sensitive places.