RailEnquiry

NEW DELHI:Railways is working towards a zero-accident scenario despite the resource crunch, Railway Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal said today.

"Despite the constraint, we are working towards zero- accident scenario in railways," Bansal said at a conference here.

He said there were cases involving signal passing at danger (SPAD) of trains and efforts are on eliminate this possibility by upgrading the signalling and telecommunication system.

"Loco pilots have a strenous job. There are instances of SPAD but we have to work to ensure safety by upgrading technology. The situation has been improved now and it will be upgraded further as our our efforts are on for zero-accident level in train operation," he added.

Referring train collission avoidance system (TCAS), he said, "Railways is planning to implement TCAS to reduce the human intervention to a minimum level. A pilot project on TCAS is going on and the system will be implemented gradually in other sections as well."

According to the plan, railways will implement TCAS in 200 km long route in Hyderabad as a pilot project.

Highlighting the importance of upgradation of technology in signalling system, Bansal said, "We have to improve the technology for catering to the growing demand of running more trains."

Describng railways as "engine of growth," he said it is a preferred mode of transport for millions.

"There is an unending demand for more trains as more and more people want trains in their areas and this is understandable also. We must have modern technology for maximum utilisation of rail tracks."

He said during winters, train operations get affected due to fog which reduces visibility. "But despite low visibility we have to bear the burden and responsibility to continue operation of passenger and goods trains."

Focusing on automation of the system, he said for maximum utilisation of infrastructure, it is necessary that we have best technology. Automation system of signalling is requrired to increase safety and line capacity.

Referring to the demand of high speed trains, he said, "Today there are expectations for speedy trains so it is bounden task of railways to ensure safety with increased speed."