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.

Gender Sensitization Workshop conducted by Salem Division, Southern Railway

With a view to protect the rights and welfare of women employees, Southern Railway, has constituted a Women Empowerment Resource Centre, and the organisation is involved in prevention of sexual harassment to women employees at the work place and also create awareness among them on their rights, health and other issues concerning women employees.

The committee constituted by Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway, for prevention of sexual harassment,  Dr Indiradevi, Sr. Divisional Medical Officer/Salem Division, is functioning as the Chairperson, with Sri G. Janarthanan, Divisional Personnel Officer, Sri Bharathi Gandhi, Private Secretary to DRM, and Smt Ruby Thiagarajan, Social Worker & General Secy/YWCA, Salem, as the other Members. 

As a positive step in this direction, Salem Division has conducted an one day workshop on 'Gender Sensitization', at the Old Railway Kalyana Mandapam, Erode, today (25.08.2015), in which the areas of health, legal and rule provisions for protection of women employees were covered, with a view to assist the women employees in their day-to-day life both official and personal. About 125 women employees from various work places in Salem Division attended the Workshop. 

The presidential address was delivered by Smt Aruna Nair, Chief Personnel Officer, Southern Railway, who impressed upon the women employees to stand up for their rights and make use of the mechanisms provided by the railway administration in this regard. Sri V. Srinivasan, Sr Personnel Officer presented a power point presentation on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2013, and also the relevant provisions in Railway Employees Conduct Rules. Ms A.R.Dhana, Information Officerof the Erode District Family Welfare Bureau, Ms Madhubala, Advocate, spoke on the occasion. An interactive session was also held.

Sri Shubhranshu, Divl Railway Manager, Salem, and Smt Jyotsna Prasad, President of the Southern Railway Women's Welfare Association, Salem Division, participated in the function as Chief Guests and declared open a Computer Lab at the Railway Mixed High School at Erode,naming the same as "Bharat Ratna Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Computer Lab". 

Cancellation/Partial Cancellation of Passenger trains in Salem Mettur Dam Section on 26th and 28th August, 2015

Due to reconstruction works at Bridge No.4 and Bridge No.6 in between Salem Magnasite Junction and Omalur, in Salem Mettur Dam section, the following charges are being made in operation of trains, on 26th & 28th August, 2015:

1. Train No. 56100 Erode-Mettur Dam Passenger Train is partially cancelled between Salem and Mettur Dam

2. Train No. 56103 Mettur Dam-Salem Passenger Train is fully cancelled. 

Salem Division, Southern Railway, to go for electrification for entire Division

Salem Division, one of the performing Divisions of Southern Railway, is now planning to electrify the entire Salem Division tracks, to better train connectivity and ease of operation.

As on date, out of the total  862 route Kms under Salem Division, the rail link between Tiruppathur and Podhanur junctions (measuring 266 route kms), the link between Salem and Mettur Dam (measuring 38.71 route kms) and the link between Coimbatore North and Mettupalayam (measuring 34 route kms) have been electrified. This makes the total electrified traction in Salem Division, to 338.71 route kilometers.  The remaining rail tracks in Salem Division are now planned to be electrified in phases.

In the first phase, the Salem-Karur-Eriyodu (Dindigul) & Erode-Tiruchchirappalli Fort rail link under the control of Salem Division, measuring about 302 route kilometers will be taken up for electrification at an estimated cost of Rs.357 crores which cost includes the electrical, engineering and signaling works. The project has been sanctioned in the Railway Budget for the year 2015-16 presented in the Parliament by the Hon’ble Minister for Railways, Sri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, The rail link between Salem and Vridhachalam will be taken up for electrification at a later stage.

The electrification of the traction will help continuity of train services, without changing the locomotives (train engines) from Diesel to Electric and vice versa, thus saving a considerable amount of time. Once, the Salem-Namakkal-Karur traction is electrified, such trains can be operated with Electric locomotives with more efficiency.  Certain trains that need change of locomotive at Salem/Erode, such as Mumbai CST-Kanyakumari/Nagercoil Express & Chennai Central-Madurai, Duronto Express trains can be operated without the need for change of locomotives in between. This will ensure improve operational efficiency, apart from saving valuable foreign exchange towards cost of fuel.

The electrification project works are being carried out under the supervision of Sri K.V.V. Sathyanarayana, Chief Project Manager/Railway Electrification, Southern Railway, and his team of officers.

69th Independence Day Celebrations At Salem Division, Southern Railway

The 69^th Independence Day was celebrated today (15.08.2015) at Salem Division of Southern Railway with patriotic fervor. Shri SHUBRANSHU, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Southern Railway, hoisted the tri-color and accepted the guard of honor presented by the RPF personnel of Salem Division.

While speaking on the occasion, Shri Shubhranshu recalled the sacrifices by our great leaders for the freedom and paid his respect and homage to the martyrs.

He said that during 2014-15, the Gross Earnings of Salem Division, has risen by 12% from Rs.548 crores in 2013-14, to Rs.611 crores. Up to July, 2015, the gross earnings stood at Rs.197 crores, he added. On comparison, he said that the passenger earnings has gone up by 17.2% from Rs.391 crores to Rs.458 crores, and up to July, 2015, the earnings stand at Rs.162 crores. On punctuality front, he was happy to share that it has been maintained at 93%.

On new passenger facilities, he pointed out the introduction of modern Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) services between Salem and Vridhachalam, opening of a Yatri Ticket Sevak Kendra (private reserved ticket booking agent) at Erode apart from appointing 23 Station Ticket Booking Sevaks & installation of 15 automatic Ticket Vending Machines at 9 major stations, electrification of Coimbatore North-Mettupalayam link, opening of second entry and new waiting hall at Tiruppur, the extension  of subway up to 5^th platform and extension of station building at Salem, and inauguration of new station building at Coimbatore North recently. On future plans, Shri Shubhranshu, mentioned that eight escalators, 4 in Coimbatore, 2 each in Salem & Erode will be commissioned, along with 2 passengers each at Tiruppur, Erode and Coimbatore. To provide clean water at low cost to passengers, water vending machines will installed in all major stations, he added. He also said that sanction has been obtained for a second entry to Salem Station, extension of platform at Mettupalayam, Pilamedu & Samalpatty. Plans on the anvil to develop Coimbatore North as a major passenger terminal in the near future, to decongest the Coimbatore main station.

While emphasizing maintaining the railway premises clean, he said that Salem Division has geared up well for the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s call for a Swachch Bharath, by taking enormous steps for keeping the stations, circulating areas and surrounding areas clean, by involving railwaymen, NGOs and students, and as a result Salem Division bagged the Cleanliness Shield during the last Railway Week function. On green initiatives, he said that Salem Division, is in the process of setting up 100 kW Solar Plants, for which preliminary works are going on, over and above the solar panels in 4 stations, 50 level crossings gates, prototype solar water pump and solar water heaters in all running rooms for loco pilots that are already in place. He also said that various other green initiatives like planting tree saplings in various locations in Salem Division, is being carried out. He lauded the efforts of the Safety Branch in creating awareness on using the level crossings safely, and the RPF Branch in protecting passengers and railway properties.

Sri Shubhranshu mentioned that Salem Division is concentrating totally on staff welfare, and as a step towards reaching the staff, a mechanism has been developed for ascertaining leave balance of employees by sending an SMS and the Railway School at Erode has obtained affiliation with CBSE and effective steps are taken for filling up all vacancies through Railway Recruitment Board/Cell, compassionate appointments, and appointment of Railway Employees’ wards under voluntary retirement scheme called LARSGESS.

A talent show by the Rifle Show by RPF Commando Force, RPF Dog Squad, and a cultural show by the Railway School children were the highlights of the function. The function was attended by Shri R.S.Sinha, Addl. Divisional Railway Manager, Shri V. Govindarajan, Asst. Security Commissioner/RPF, and other Divisional officers, employees, and their family members in large numbers.

ONAM SPECIAL TRAINS VIA SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPUR & COIMBATORE

The following special trains will be run to clear the extra rush of traffic in view of the Onam festival.

1.  Special trains between Secunderabad – Kochuveli (via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur &  Coimbatore):

Train No.07115 Secunderabad – Kochuveli special train will leave Secunderabad at 16.25 hrs. on 26.08.2015 and reach Kochuveli at 23.00 hrs. the next day.  Train No.07116 Kochuveli – Secunderabad special train will leave Kochuveli at 22.00 hrs. on 28.08.2015 and reach Secunderabad at 04.45 hrs. on30.08.2015.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 10, General Second Class – 6 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches.

Stoppages:  Kazipet, Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Tenali, Ongole, Nellore, Gudur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPPUR, COIMBATORE, Palakkad, Ottapalam, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Kayankulam and Kollam.

2.  Special trains between Nanded – Kochuveli (via via Salem, Erode, Tiruppur &  Coimbatore):

Train No.07505 Nanded – Kochuveli special train will leave Nanded at 07.20 hrs. on 26.08.2015 and reach Kochuveli at 17.45 hrs. the next day. Train No.07504 Kochuveli – Nanded special train will leave Kochuveli at 16.00 hrs. on 29.08.2015 and reach Nanded at 05.15 hrs. on 31.08.2015.

Composition:  AC 2-tier – 1, AC 3-tier – 2, Sleeper Class – 10, General Second Class – 6 & Luggage-cum-brake van – 2 coaches.

Stoppages:  Mudkhed, Dharmabad, Nizamabad, Kamareddy, Bolarum, Malkajgiri, Kacheguda, Jedcherla, Mahbubnagar, Wanaparti Road, Gadwal, Kurnool City, Dhone, Gooty, Tadipatri, Muddanoor, Yerraguntla, Cuddapah, Nandalur, Rajampeta, Kodur, Renigunta, Katpadi, Jolarpettai, SALEM, ERODE, TIRUPPUR, COIMBATORE, Palakkad, Ottapalam, Thrissur, Aluva, Ernakulam Town, Kottayam, Tiruvalla, Chengannur, Kayankulam and Kollam.

Advance reservations for the above special trains will commence on 14.08.2015.

Salem Division Southern Railway joins hands Bharat Petroleum Corporation in LPG Subsidiary Give It Up Campaign

Salem Division of southern Railway has joined hands with the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd., a public sector undertaking, to promote the cause of Giving Up the subsidy for LPG cylinders, as per the directives of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India Sri Narendra Modiji.  The Launch of the "Give It Up" campaign was launched by Sri Shubhranshu, Divisional Railway Manager, Salem, today, in the Salem Junction premises. Sri Shubhranshu, signed the first application form for surrender of LPG subsidy which was received by the Territorial Manager of BPCL.  

While speaking on the occasion, Sri Shubranshu mentioned that BPCL has chosen to join hands with Indian Railways, to promote the Give It Up campaign as the railway stations are the central places in any city or town where public gather in large number and as such are the ideal places to promote such causes. He further said that the campaign will be run for 7 days in 10 railway stations of Salem Division, such as Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Mettupalayam, Udhagamandalam, Athur, Morappur, Namakkal and Rasipuram. BPCL authorities said that their volunteers will interact with rail passengers and distribute LPG Subsidy Surrender Forms to them.