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Automatic block signaling system has been installed between Bilaspur and Gataura stations where the accident took place. How does it work, what is its specialty, how many types of systems are working. Why was this needed? Retired Railway Board Member Infrastructure Pradeep Kumar is telling-
New Delhi. So far, the death of 11 passengers including the loco pilot has been officially confirmed and around 20 are injured in the horrific train accident that took place between Bilaspur and Gataura station. The extent of the accident can be gauged from the fact that the rescue operation was carried out throughout the night. Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) system was installed at the place where the accident occurred. Pradeep Kumar, retired member, infrastructure, Railway Board, is telling how it works.
Two types of systems are working in Indian Railways to determine the distance between trains. The first is Absolute Block System and the second is Automatic Block Signaling System. Indian Railways is gradually shifting to automatic signaling system. The absolute block system is old. Although it is still going on everywhere.
What is absolute block system?
The absolute block system is old. Under this, the distance between trains depends on the distance between stations. For example, when a train crosses the next station, the train standing at the first station gets the signal and moves ahead. In this system the distance between stations may be one km. Whether it is many kilometers or so, it does not matter. In this way there is not a single train between two stations. The track capacity is not utilized optimally in this system. Trains run in less numbers.
What is Automatic Block Signaling System?
Under this system, many signals are also installed between two stations. These signals work automatically. Their distance remains fixed but varies as per the requirement of different sections. Where there is more train traffic and there is no technical problem, then signals are installed at short distance gaps and where there is such a problem, signals are installed at longer distances. More number of trains can be run in this. Automatic block signal system was installed in this accident.
cause of accident
In ABS, if a train is standing then the signal behind it should be red. This accident can happen due to two reasons. Firstly, there may have been some fault in the signal or the loco pilot ignored the signal. At present investigation is going on in the matter.
