Salem Division, Southern Railway installs Train Warning System (TWS) in unmanned LC to prevent mishaps on trial basis

Unmanned Level Crossings continue to be a matter of concern for Indian Railways as most of the train mishaps take place in these unmanned level crossings, including the recent one at Penugonda.  Indian Railways therefore continuously working and taking various steps to device mechanisms to prevent mishaps in unmanned level crossings, and thus prevent loss of invaluable human lives and disruption to train traffic.

As a major step in this direction, Salem Division of Southern Railway has installed a Train Warning System in an unmanned level crossing LC No 6 between Periyanaickanpalayam and Thudiyalur in Coimbatore, on TRIAL BASIS.

The Train Warning System (TWS) System has three modules, viz.  1 Control Module & 2 Sensor Modules on both sides of the unmanned level crossing The two Sensor modules have been installed 1 km away from unmanned level crossing on both sides of the unmanned level crossing, which have axle count input and radar sensor input to detect train and send signal to control module via wireless and wired communication. They consist a solar panel each of 36w/12v capacity with batter backup, an RF modem in each for transmission of signals, an object detection sensor, and axle counter. The Control module installed in the unmanned level crossing has a 36w 12v DC solar panel with battery backup for uninterrupted power supply, RF modem for receiving signals from both sensor modules, a high decibel siren and LED blinker to provide audio visual warning signals on train arrival.

When the train is detected by entry sensor module control module switches ON siren and LED flasher. When the exit sensor module detects the train control module switches OFF siren and LED flasher. Control Module Senses theft in TWS units and sends theft alert SMS to registered users on any theft attempt. When train enters through either Sensor modules on any side , train entry signal is send to control module. The control module switches ON the flasher and siren. When train exits sensor modules also, train exit signal is send to control module. The control module will switch OFF flasher and siren. 

The salient features of this Train Warning System:

1. Low power consumption.
2.Highest communication distance.
3.Interference free operation
4.Unbreakable FRP poles.
5.Theft proof design.
6.Adjustable sensing field by Object

7.Detection Sensor that ignores objects beyond set point.
8.Easy setup and configuration of range, sensitivity, and output
9.Sensing functions are unaffected by wind, falling rain or snow, fog, humidity, air temperatures, or light
9.Sensor operates in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) telecommunication band; hence no special license required
10.System is suitable to detect train movements in multi tracks within 45 feet from sensor module. 
11.System detects the engine of train. Hence system is suitable to detect all types of trains including only engine, engine with wagon.