Automation – Key for accuracy and perfection in Indian railways

November 11, 2019 4:34 pm

Discussing the vitalities of making extensive use of latest technologies and automated solutions in Indian railways, industry leaders explore ways through which automated technologies can pave ways for smooth functioning in railway systems.

Automation today, has an edge in creating unfolding newer technologies and their applications that controls and monitors required services in the Industry. It has grown to be an integral aspect in the Indian industries, as it aids in delivering efficiency and accuracy in the required systems. Talking about automation in railways, it is a valuable asset to the Indian railways as it minimise the human fatigue, labour operation whilst holding a constant accuracy and boosting the efficiency in the overall functioning. Since durability, speed reliability and convenience are the core aspects of modernised railway network followed by their success, it’s critical to meet these aspects for an optimum utilisation through automation in railways.

Automatic Control System for Trains
Automatic Control System for Train controls specially the train movement, implementing the train safety and also directs the train operations with its two sub segments.One is Automatic Train Protection and other Automatic Train Operations. The whole system provides safe train separation by using train detection and its localisation. It also provides safe train operation and movement by using train speed determination, monitoring, over-speed protection and emergency braking, and also the automatic train drive. The safety of settling and departing passengers will also be provided by using a station interlocking system.

Elaborating on the essential aspects of automation in train operation, Amit Sharma, Manager Business Development, Paragon Instrumentation Engineers Pvt. Ltd says that Automatic Train Protection system is used under which tracking system used to keep a track on the train, specially its location determination. “In order to verify, that the train is able to stop at required stoppages to protect the train ahead, the Automatic Train Protection system monitors the speed of the train, and in the unlikely event of over-speed, the train will initiate emergency braking to protect the train ahead. This system also ensures a safe exchange of passengers at station by providing zero speed detection to prove that the train has stopped at the station.” Sharma adds.

Extensive uses of technology in the Indian railways are recommended for expansion of the railway sector. Till now, automation in railway systems and railway network has not been flourished to the required extent, hence is vital to consider the substantial benefits of having an automated control system for improving the operations of railway systems. Talking about the available technology to boost the train operations, K M Sunil, Vice-President – Corporate Strategy, Pennar Industries mentions that track building technology and rigidity of the coach with respect to bogie technology and braking systems are the primary parameters required to build high speed trains.

Also, door opening permission is also provided only when the train has stopped at the correct position. It also prevents the train from departing when the train and station doors are not closed. Such system is already being followed by Metro Rails.

Second sub segment under Automatic Control system for trains is the Automatic Train Operation which somehow works under Automatic Train Protection System, It includes the train drive, provide accurate and perfection position at the station to stop the train and to control the train and platform screen doors. The system drives the train in automatic mode, providing the traction and braking control demands to the train wheel parameters system. When approaching to a station, the system adjusts the train speed. After accurately stopping at the station, the system provides the control of opening and closing of train and platform screen doors. So Automatic Control system plays a vital role in train safety and also to the safety for passengers travelling in trains.

Safety parameters for designing gearboxes for Indian railways
After the recent occurrences of accidents and turbulences in operational of Indian railways, the rail authorities have taken several key measures as an attempt to reduce the impending number of accidents. The railways has already implemented technologies in terms of safety of train coaches and wagons by inventing modified centre buffer couplers, bogie mounted air brake system (BMBS), improved suspension design and provision of automatic fire and smoke detection system in coaches. These modifications are being provided in newly manufactured coaches and wagons on a regular basis. Discussing the same, Sunil says “Extensive research is being done to run high speed trains in few sectors. With better safety norms within the available geographical conditions, the new types of Bogies may avoid collision unlike conventional bogies. Travel comfort will significantly improve with good suspensions in the modern bogies.”

Whereas, Sharma highlights that Paragon Instrumentation Engineers Pvt. Ltd. is involved in Railway Business since 1959. He further says, “Some electronics and digital equipment were already in use to determine the track parameters and also the wheel parameters, and since then I am working on the same platform. Automatic Control system for Trains is adopted for smooth run of trains, especially to avoid derail and collisions.”

Track building technology and rigidity of the coach with respect to bogie technology and braking systems are the primary parameters required to build high speed trains.
K M Sunil, Vice-President – Corporate Strategy, Pennar Industries

Automated instrumentation in trains can ensure safe train operation and movement by using train speed determination, monitoring, over-speed protection and emergency braking, and also the automatic train drive.
Amit Sharma, Manager Business Development, Paragon Instrumentation Engineers Pvt. Ltd