TWAD proves successful in experiments

Tiruchirapalli, July 23 (UNI) The Train Actuated Warning Device (TWAD), a novel security system installed at ten level crossing gates between Tiruchirapalli and Villupuram for the first time in the Indian Railways, on an experimental basis proved successful.

Southern Railway (SR) sources told UNI the main purpose of the device was to reduce accidents in the level crossings. About 50 per cent of all accidents in the Indian Railways happen unmanned level crossings. Hence, the Railways decided to install a security system at the unmanned and manned level crossings across the country and the TWAD system was installed in the SR as a pilot project.

Of the ten devices, each costing Rs 7.5 lakh, four of them were installed at unmanned crossings, while the remaining were erected at the manned level crossings between Tiruchirapalli and Villupuram section as a trial measure last year.

The security system would send signals to the level crossings, activating the red alarm light and sound devices fitted there, once the first pair of wheels of a train enters a two kilometer radius of the crossing. Similarly, when the last pair of wheels leaves the gate, the red signal goes off and the alarm sound stops automatically.

This would, apart from ensuring safety of the motor vehicles and pedestrians crossing the level gates, would incur less costs, as otherwise gang men should be appointed for each crossing, the sources added.

The Research Development Scientific Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow (a research wing of the Indian Railways) approved this security system, developed by a private Indian company. The device could function with either solar power or local power supply. However, the trials were conducted using solar power in all the ten crossings.

Warning boards have been installed near the devices stating that, in case of any failure should, the red alarm light not illuminate, the pedestrians or motor vehicles should cross the gate after ensuring that no train passes through it.

When asked whether the security system will be installed in other parts of the country, sources said that it was up to the Railway Board to take the decision.

UNI GSM JJ PP GC1135