Image used for presentation. (Awakening)
Jagran correspondent, Ranchi. Indian Railways has taken a big step towards the safety of passengers. It has been decided to install Automatic Smoke and Heat Detection System (FSDS), which till now was available only in AC coaches, in sleeper coaches also in a phased manner.
With this decision of Railways, lakhs of passengers traveling long distances will get better protection from incidents like fire.
Till now, fire smoke detection system is being installed in AC coaches of trains and fire detection and suppression system is being installed in power car coaches. But in view of the incidents of fire in trains in recent years, Railways will expand the scope of security arrangements and start the process of equipping sleeper coaches also with this technology.
According to railway officials, fire alarm systems have already been installed in LHB (Link Halfmann Busch) coaches, while fire smoke detection systems have also been provided in ICF coaches.
Now, with the installation of FSDS in sleeper coaches, in case of fire in trains, danger can be detected at the initial stage itself and major accidents can be prevented.
This system is based on advanced technology like VESDA (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus). This technology detects even the smallest particles of smoke at an early stage. The system automatically activates as soon as smoke or excessive heat is detected inside the coach.
As soon as the system is activated, an automatic siren sounds and warning lights come on, providing immediate alert to passengers and train staff. Along with this, the system also helps in automatically stopping the train by reducing the brake pressure of the train, so that the fire can be controlled before it spreads.
The special thing about the fire detection and suppression system being installed in power car and pantry car is that as soon as a fire occurs, the supply of fuel or electricity stops and automatically water or other fire suppression medium starts coming out. With this, the fire can be controlled in the initial period itself.
Railways aims to fully equip LHB coaches, power cars and pantry cars of all trains with this safety system in future. Officials believe that the installation of automatic smoke and heat detection systems in sleeper coaches will significantly increase the level of safety of passengers and fire incidents can be effectively prevented.