A large number of trains are affected every year during foggy weather in the winter months in many parts of the country resulting in loss of punctuality and bunching of trains. South Eastern Railway to avoid delay of trains during the foggy weather has introduced Fog Pass Device for all its passenger carrying trains over its jurisdiction in this season.
To assist the Loco Pilots to run the trains during foggy weather condition, Fog Pass Device, a Global Positioning System (GPS) based hand held portable device (which is not permanently installed on a locomotive) is given to the Loco Pilots in fog affected sections. It serves as an aid for the crew during foggy weather though the final judgement lies with the Loco Pilots as per the weather conditions.
The device works through display and audio mode whenever any landmark comes within the Geo Fence Range. Location of stations, warning boards, signals, level crossing gates and Whistle for level crossing (W/L) board in the section is fed in the equipment. It displays speed of the locomotive, distance and time to reach landmarks and is carried by the Loco Pilots. This equipment helps the Loco Pilots to run the trains with more confidence during fog.
Apart from the above, inspection at officer and supervisor level, including night inspections, are being carried out during foggy weather for spreading more awareness and alertness amongst the staff.
