In an effort to mitigate the impact of foggy weather on train operations, Indian Railways has introduced 19,742 Fog Pass Devices across the northern regions of the country. This proactive measure is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of rail services, minimizing delays, and prioritizing passenger safety during the winter months.
The Fog Pass Device, a GPS-based navigation tool, plays a pivotal role in assisting locomotive pilots in navigating through dense fog. Offering real-time information through both display and voice guidance, the device informs pilots about the precise locations of fixed landmarks such as signals, manned and unmanned level crossing gates, permanent speed restrictions, and neutral sections. The system provides approaching indications for the next three landmarks in geographical order, accompanied by a voice message when the train is approximately 500 meters away from the landmark.
Designed to be versatile, the Fog Pass Device is suitable for various rail sections, including single and double lines, electrified, and non-electrified sections. It is compatible with electric and diesel locomotives, as well as EMUs/MEMUs/DEMUs, and can accommodate train speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour. With a built-in rechargeable battery providing 18 hours of backup, the device is portable, compact (weighing not more than 1.5 kg, including the battery), and robust in design. Locomotive pilots can easily carry the device with them and place it on the cab desk when resuming their duties. Operating as a standalone system, the Fog Pass Device remains unaffected by adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, or sunshine, ensuring reliable performance year-round.