What’s inside:
This article talks about the delays in trains due to fog and the measures taken by Indian Railways.
Due to heavy fog, more than 90% of the trains in the Danapur division and across the East-Central Railway are running late. Trains passing through Patna Junction, including important ones like Tejas Rajdhani and Garib Rath, are delayed between 2 to 18 hours.
Despite installing fog safety devices on around 850 trains at a cost of over 5 crore rupees, the delays continue. Over 80 trains have been cancelled because of the fog, and the railway is monitoring some trains to try and run them on time by arranging special coaches.
Passengers are frustrated and are complaining about the railway’s handling of the situation. The railway has issued guidelines stating that trains with fog safety devices can only run at a maximum speed of 75 km/h, while others must stay below 60 km/h. If the driver feels it’s safer to slow down even more, they can do so.
Experts say that the fog safety devices only give information about signals 500 meters ahead, making them not very useful in other areas. The fog also covers the engine’s windows, making it hard for drivers to see.
Union representatives suggest that it would be better if these fog safety devices were set up in the engines instead of being carried by the drivers. This change could prevent losses if the devices go missing and reduce the burden on the staff.
Summary:
- Over 90% of trains are delayed due to heavy fog.
- Train delays range from 2 to 18 hours.
- 80 trains have been cancelled because of the fog.
- Fog safety devices are installed, but effectiveness is limited.
- Union suggests fixing devices in engines for better efficiency.
