Indian Railways is preparing to implement an enhanced driver vigilance control system at Bhagat Ki Koti station in Jodhpur to improve the efficiency and safety of rail services in Western India. The national operator is deploying this technology as part of a critical modernisation project currently underway. Within the scope of the project, 166 locomotives have been successfully refurbished and with the refurbishment of the remaining three locomotives, the entire fleet will be in full compliance with India’s new national diesel and electric locomotive safety requirements.
System Minimising Human Error
This new system significantly strengthens railway safety technologies. The system, whose main aim is to minimise the risk of accidents caused by human error, monitors the driver’s activities in real time. Here’s how it works:
- If the operator remains unresponsive for more than one minute, the system gives a visual warning signal.
- If the driver still does not react despite the warning, the system automatically activates the emergency brake and stops the train.
This new system uses a button on the dashboard instead of the pedal traditionally used to ensure driver alertness. This innovation is intended to indicate alertness more precisely and make the system easier to use.
Digital Solutions and Kavach 4.0
Indian Railways continues to invest in smart technologies. In this context, the company signed a contract with the Indian company “Concord Control Systems” in September to develop and implement the “Kavach 4.0” automatic train protection system for the South Central Railway Region. The Kavach 4.0 system supports safety by automatically braking if the driver exceeds the set speed limit or ignores warning signals.
In addition, the Indian Ministry of Railways plans to develop an integrated traffic management command centre covering all operating departments. This centre will ensure less traffic congestion and faster response to emergencies.
According to industry observers, the continuous upgrading of AI-based equipment and analytics is paving the way for the creation of a “smart railway” network in the Indian context. These technological breakthroughs mark the beginning of the Indian Railways’ digital revolution towards improving both the safety and overall efficiency of train transport.
