Southern Railway, Salem Division, has come up with a Train Warning System (TWS) at an unmanned level crossing between Periyanaickenpalayam and Thudialur (level crossing number six) on the Coimbatore – Mettupalayam section on a trial basis. The initiative is to prevent accidents at unmanned level crossings.
The total number of train movements at this level crossing is eight with three pairs of passenger train and one pair of express train besides occasional movement of wagons or locomotives.
Under the TWS, two sensor modules have been installed 1 km away from the unmanned level crossing on both the sides.
The sensors have axle count input and radar sensor input to detect a loco/train/wagons and on sensing a train it automatically sends signal to a control module via wireless and wired communication. The sensor operates on Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM) telecommunication band which warrants no licensing.
The TWS modules consist of a solar panel with 36w/12w capacity with battery backup, a radio frequency modem in each for transmission, reception of signals, an object detection sensor and axle counter, besides a high decibel sire and LED blinker to provide audio visual warning signals on train arrival.
When the train is detected by entry sensor module, the control module switches on the siren and the LED flasher and when the exit sensor module detects the train, the control module switches off the siren and LED flasher. The control module also senses theft and sends alert SMS to registered users, according to a railway official.
The TWS consumes lowest power and comes with a highest communication distance or range and operation is free from any other interference. The equipment is installed on unbreakable FRP poles.
The TWS is unaffected by wind, rain or snow, fog, humidity, air temperatures or light. It could detect trains in multi-tracks within 45 feet from the sensor module and it detects the locomotive (engine), hence it suits for detecting all types of trains including only locomotive or loco with engines.
It is designed by a team led by V. Babu of the Signal and Telecommunication Wing of the Salem Division and has been on trial for a month and so far it has proved successful and is well received by the public. After further satisfaction, the Division plans to send it to Chief Safety Officer, Southern Railway, to get the certification from safety agencies.
