Soon, premier trains such as Rajdhani Express and Tejas Express are on the cards to get multi-level fire detection and response system, says the Indian Railways.
Fire detection and response:
When the system senses smoke beyond preset threshold limit, the system identifies fire and automatically apply brake to the train. This stops the train, and announcements and hooter sirens will alarm at the victim coach.
As a move to enhance safety in train journey, all the air conditioned coaches meant for overnight journey will get early warning fire detection system.
A Railway ministry official said that the expensive equipment such as power cars, pantry cars, locomotives of special services, etc. will be fitted with high pressure, water mist fire suppression system so that the devices do not get obliterated in case of fire outburst.
Loss of life, damage and unwanted panic can all be avoided with early warning about fire, thus reducing interruption of services.
In case of traditionally used smoke detection system, the pre-alarms are tardy and so is the response time, soot and dust affects performance, and detection rate is poor during high airflows. All the Humsafar trains will get these equipment for fire detection, said an official.