Railway Board Chairman Satish Kumar has asked the general managers of all 17 railway zones to keep track of the technical reports generated by a device named ‘data logger’ on a daily basis. The directive has been issued to enhance safety norms and to prevent train collisions. This device has been installed at railway stations and its task is to collect real-time data related to signal systems and train operations. It also plays a crucial role in identifying potential operational failures.
Significance of data logger
The data logger is capable of producing an exception report if a station master is not able to prevent two trains from entering the same track at the same time. Two recent train collisions in June 2024 which took place in West Bengal and the other one happened in October 2023 in Andhra Pradesh have taken place because of several violations of safety regulations, as recorded by data loggers.
Kumar during a recent meeting, underlined the need for Divisional Managers (DRMSs) to monitor these reports every day. He also stated that the Railway Board would also be reviewing the reports randomly from two to three divisions to make sure that norms are been followed.
This issue is related to General Rule 3.38(2) under which two trains would never occupy the same track. Former Chief Signal and Telecom Engineer K.P. Arya elaborated that if the station master is not able to switch the interlocking point after a train enters a loop line, the data logger will generate an exception report. As a result, the report will help in preventing collisions.
Reports of lack of monitoring
According to a letter dated 13 September 2024, Kumar showed concern that this crucial safety instruction was not followed by several divisions. He took reference to an incident that took place on 10 September 2024 in which six divisions were asked to share their data logger reports. Out of these only three were able to submit the requested details while two failed to present any report and one showcased an outdated report. Kumar also appealed to all the general managers to make sure these reports are monitored daily, even if no exception is observed then it also needs to be reported.
Railway experts have admitted that the instructions that have been issued for closely observing these reports are a way forward to take precautionary measures.
(With inputs from PTI)
