AA – Abhishek’s Attic (place to store stuff to clear my head)!

Modernization of Indian Railways

https://www.youtube.com/embed/P1Wq4iZ0kJM

I found this episode very interesting. Railways has been a part and parcel of growing up in India and I still prefer traveling by train (< 2 night journeys) than flights. There is a pleasure in sitting on the window side in a train and seeing the countryside

Here are some points from this video:

• The Indian railways was started during the British reign. It has transformed over the decades with changes such as replacement of steam engines with electrical and diesel trains, introduction of air conditioning and now high-speed trains, to name a few.
• The control rooms, signalling systems and entire broad design are the same since independence.
• Advanced technologies like Online Monitoring of Rolling Stock System (OMRS) and Wheel Impact Load Detector (WILD) have been adopted for predictive maintenance of rolling stock. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are being fitted on rolling stock to automatically track and trace the rolling asset moving over the Indian Railways network.
• In addition, other technological systems like Hot Box Detector (HBD) and Machine Vision Inspection System (MVIS) are also under development for implementation over Indian Railways.
• Initially we had a signalling system that was manual, but now with the massive induction of technology, we have data loggers, which record the passing of trains. A computer system which immediately records the arrival and departure of trains.
• A single person can control the signals from a room with the help of technology.
• Stations have also benefited in the last 5-10 years which include; providing good facilities and amenities to the passengers, air-conditioned waiting rooms, infotainment options, shops, restaurants etc . More importance to cleanliness has been given.
• Brake wheels are fully suspended which gives complete acceleration and deacceleration to the whole train.
• Newly introduced electro-pneumatic brake system is implemented in trains.
• 90 meters live wall shows the whole movement of trains in different station locations
• The driver display screen consolidates all the happenings in 16 coaches as well as emergency calling service for the passengers inside the coaches.
• Modern trains like Vande Bharat and Vista Dome Coaches have been introduced.
• Vista dome structures are implemented to enjoy the scenic beauty while travelling.