Photo: AFP-
Metropolis Desk –
According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, a technical issue was to blame for the horrific train disaster that left 288 people dead and over 1,000 injured in Odisha’s Balasore district.
The minister acknowledged in his meeting with the media that the point machine and electronic interlocking system were the primary contributors to the train catastrophe. He said that the sad incident was caused by a fault in the electronic interlocking system, which acts as a safety device to prevent collisions and conflicting movements between trains.
What is electronic interlocking?
Electronic interlocking is a sophisticated set of signal equipment to manage the layout of railroad lines and avoid train collisions. It ensures that signals are not altered in the wrong order and thus preserves the safety of railway operations. The major objective of this system is to delay the train’s signal to proceed until the route has been properly deemed safe.
In other words, by recognizing where a train is already occupied, electronic interlocking determines which track it should utilize. The electronic interlocking system uses computer technology and electronic control systems to track and manage train movements. This system uses sensors and feedback devices to identify where and when trains are on the tracks. To ensure the safe running of trains, it smoothly interfaces with a variety of other railway systems, including train detection systems, signals, points, and track circuits.
Source – NDTV
