Isro: Trial of satellite-based warning system at unmanned railway crossings satisfactory

NEW DELHI: The trial of a satellite-based early warning system about approaching trains at unmanned level crossings has been completed by the railways, a top official of Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) said.

Speaking to TOI, Ahmedabadbased Space Applications Centre (SAC) director Tapan Misra said, “The one-year phase-1 trial of the satellite-based early warning system is over. Its performance has been satisfactory.” Under a pilot project, the railways had last year installed Isro-developed integrated circuit (IC) chips on some train engines. The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (or NaVIC) was used to caution road users at crossings about approaching trains through hooters installed at these crossings. On its efficiency, Misra said, “The satellite-based technology was tested under different terrains and tough climatic conditions throughout the year. Its smooth functioning shows it is an all-weather system.”

TOI first reported about the pilot project in November 2017 as how the railways had installed IC chips on five train engines on different routes. The test has been going on since June 2017 to check if the system is reliable. Misra said, “After developing the system, we transferred the hardware technology to four companies for limited production for the pilot project.”

Research Designs & Standards Organisation (RDSO), R&D wing of the railways, submitted its report to the Railway Board after the trial concluded. RDSO, in its report, said though the Isro technology has worked satisfactorily, it wants certain modifications before its rollout. Moreover, the railways has to sort out issues of vandalism and theft of the system first. There are about 5,792 unmanned crossings till date, which account for 40% of railways accidents.