NEW DELHI/PUNE: Pune Railway Division will be one of 14 divisions to get personal tracking units, which are being used to track movement of trackmen responsible for checking tracks. This decision is being taken following the derailment of Indore-Patna Express near Pukhrayan, Kanpur, where 150 people lost their lives and an equal number of persons were injured. The Railways had suspected that rail fracture might have had caused the train to skid off, leading to the accident.
Manojkumar Zhawar, Pune Railway Division spokesperson, said, “The Pune division has received 500 tracking units, which are being used to monitor the distance covered by trackmen in real time.”
According to Indian Auto Company (IAC) officials, “Indian Railways has signed a contract with a New Delhi-based tech startup offering GPS-based tracking solutions. IAC won the contract for supply and installation of more than 7,000 personal tracking units in 14 divisions of Indian Railways.”
“These are Pune (MH), Nagpur (MH), Bhusawal (MH), Alipurduar (WB), Bikaner (RAJ), Kota (RAJ), Jabalpur (MP), Bhopal (MP), Salem (TN), Sonpur (BHR), Ambala (HR), Howrah (WB), Raipur (CHG) and Dhanbad (JHK). Some of these contracts have already been commissioned and some are in the process of being implemented.
IAC officials shared that Indian Railways has decided to procure these devices in order to enhance the safety measures of the track maintenance workforce, which comprises gangmen, patrolmen, keymen and mate. ‘IAC 110’, a personal tracking device, facilitates monitoring the movement of ground force by the office of Divisional Railway Manager (DRM). This is important from the safety point of view and also when immediate action is required in case of emergency.
Along with tracking real-time movement of the ground force, this device will also streamline working hours, attendance and other admin related requirements. Devices are also enabled with voice call function for two-way communication. After the implementation of the project, it will be easier for Indian Railways (IR) to assign job, as the exact place, where maintenance is required, will be located.
Commenting on the commissioning of the project, IAC spokesperson said, “With the large number of unfortunate deaths of railway track maintainers, IAC supplied tracking devices will play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety of the Railways’ ground force. These devices are IP-65 rated, which makes them waterproof and enables two-way communication along with vibration and movement alert, both on the web and mobile devices, thereby ensuring the safety of their day to day work.”
He further added, “The device also enables SOS call and speed dial facility in case of an emergency and can connect to a pre-set number to alert them of any untoward situation. It also has intelligent power management to reduce inefficient power consumption when the device stays idle.”
FOR BETTER SERVICE
Indian Railways has decided to procure these devices in order to enhance the safety measures of the track maintenance workforce, which comprises gangmen, patrolmen, keymen and mate. ‘IAC 110’, a personal tracking device, facilitates monitoring the movement of ground force by the DRM office.
