The automatic smoke/fire detection alarm system, planned for the air-conditioned coaches of Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Garib Rath and Duranto trains, is yet to be installed.
The specifications of the system, called “Technical Requirement for design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of aspiration type automatic smoke/fire detection with alarm system for AC coaches,” were prepared by the Lucknow-based Research Designs and Standard Organisation (RDSO) in 2008.
The system was redesigned in November 2010, incorporating experiences gained from the trial run and suggestions from experts. The duration of the trial was about 18 months.
It underwent another revision in October 2011 wherein certain modifications were made.
Sources in the RDSO said the trial run had been extended. An officer, who requested anonymity, said the trial was being conducted in 18 coaches of the New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express. Although the proposal for a fire extinguisher has been mentioned in the layout, the proposed anti-fire system was a holistic exercise to detect smoke and fire and give early warning, sources said.
The fire safety proposal is only for the air conditioned coaches – AC First, AC Second, AC Three Tier, AC Chaircar and AC pantry car. The General compartments and sleeper coaches have been left out.
Sources said that compared to the general compartments, the situation vis-à-vis sleeper coaches when it came to passengers following fire safety norms was comparatively better.
RDSO specifications stipulate the fire alarm system should be a proven technology with at least five years of use on the national/international railway systems.
