GPS Locator to Improve Train Safety

A train company in India has announced that it plans to install GPS devices in its trains to improve their operational safety. The devices will gather data that will then control the functioning of problem-prone lights in the parcel car of the train.

Risk of Fire

Indian Railways has a history of issues with fires in the parcel cars of their trains. Three major incidents over the last couple of years have sparked panic among passengers and resulted in damage to both the trains and their contents. The fires appear to be caused by a short circuit in the lighting system of the parcel van. While the lights are needed when the train is stopped at a station for loading, they are not necessary while the train is in motion. The simple solution would be to turn off the lights before the train starts up again, but one worker’s forgetfulness can create a fire hazard for the entire train and its passengers.

Governed by GPS

In response to the risk, the railway company developed a rather ingenious way to use a GPS locator to solve their problem. The device is installed in the generator coach of the train and connected to the light circuit of the parcel van. The locator collects data to determine the location of the train, and thus its speed. When the speed exceeds 20 kilometers per hour, the device cuts off the power to the parcel van’s light circuit. Having the lights off decreases the chance of a short circuit and thus alleviates the fire hazard. The device even logs each time the lights are extinguished in this matter. A light on the locator indicates if a GPS signal is available to the device. If a signal is not detected for some reason, the device will turn off the lights after a certain amount of time has passed.

A Successful Outcome

Although the system has only been installed in one train line so far, it appears that the technology will accomplish its purpose quite effectively. The company developed the GPS locator system completely in-house, so the cost of the system is quite reasonable. It is certainly less expensive than the cost of property damage from a fire. The company plans to install the GPS locators in the rest of its trains in the near future.

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GPS Locator to Improve Train Safety