Activities

Railway Fire Safety: Passenger Awareness and Coach-Protection Systems Expanded

Railway fire safety requires a coordinated combination of prevention, early detection, effective suppression, properly maintained equipment, trained personnel and responsible passenger behaviour. Because trains carry large numbers of people through varied operating environments, even a small fire-related incident can develop rapidly if it is not identified and controlled at an early stage. Strengthening both onboard protection systems and public awareness is therefore essential for safer railway travel.

Indian Railways has been progressively strengthening fire-protection arrangements in passenger coaches, power cars and pantry cars. According to the Ministry of Railways, newly manufactured power cars and pantry cars are being provided with fire-detection and suppression systems, while new passenger coaches are receiving fire-and-smoke detection systems. Zonal Railways are also undertaking phased installation in eligible existing coaches. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

Fire-and-smoke detection systems are designed to provide an early warning when abnormal smoke or heat is detected. Suppression systems installed in identified high-risk areas can assist in controlling a developing fire. However, such equipment must be inspected, tested and maintained at prescribed intervals. Batteries, sensors, alarms, control units, extinguishers and communication arrangements must remain functional throughout every journey.

Passenger awareness is equally important. Statutory fire notices and educational posters are displayed in railway coaches to inform passengers about prohibited materials and safe conduct. Passengers must never carry petrol, diesel, kerosene, gas cylinders, fireworks, explosives or other inflammable substances. Smoking and the use of unauthorised cooking or heating appliances inside trains are also dangerous and prohibited.

Electrical safety must receive continuous attention. Unauthorised charging devices, damaged cables, overloaded sockets and improperly carried battery equipment can create serious risks. Passengers should use only permitted charging facilities, avoid leaving devices connected unnecessarily and immediately report sparks, smoke, burning odours or unusually hot electrical fittings to railway personnel.

If smoke or fire is observed, passengers should remain calm, alert railway staff immediately and follow authorised instructions. Emergency communication facilities should be used responsibly. Passengers must not create panic, obstruct aisles, collect luggage during an evacuation or attempt to fight a significant fire without training. Children, senior citizens and passengers with disabilities should be assisted towards a safe area.

Railway personnel require regular practical training in alarm procedures, passenger evacuation, fire-extinguisher use, electrical isolation, communication and coordination with emergency services. Safety drills should evaluate how quickly an incident can be identified, reported, controlled and managed without creating additional risk.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) emphasises that preventing railway fires is a shared responsibility. Reliable coach-protection systems provide an essential technical safeguard, while alert passengers and trained employees create the human layer of protection. Responsible behaviour can prevent a small mistake from becoming a major emergency.

Prevent Fire • Detect Early • Report Immediately • Protect Every Passenger

Road Overbridges and Underpasses Improve Safety at Railway Crossings

Road Overbridges and Road Underbridges are important infrastructure solutions for separating road traffic, pedestrians and railway operations. By allowing vehicles and people to cross above or below railway tracks, these facilities reduce dependence on level crossings and help prevent collisions between trains and road users.

Level crossings bring two different transport systems into the same physical space. Their safety depends upon warning systems, barriers, road discipline and responsible behaviour. Drivers or pedestrians who ignore signals, cross beneath closed gates or enter without sufficient space to clear the tracks place themselves and others in immediate danger. Grade-separated crossings remove much of this direct conflict.

According to the Ministry of Railways, 14,362 Road Overbridges and Road Underbridges were constructed during the period from 2014–15 to 2025–26—more than three times the number delivered during the preceding ten-year period. The Ministry has also stated that all unmanned level crossings on broad-gauge routes were eliminated by January 2019. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

Road Overbridges carry road users above railway lines and can provide uninterrupted movement across busy corridors. Road Underbridges and subways allow traffic or pedestrians to pass below the tracks. The most appropriate solution depends upon local geography, road volume, drainage, available land, railway operations and the needs of nearby communities.

Safe design must consider more than structural construction. Approach roads, lighting, drainage, height restrictions, pedestrian pathways, protective barriers, road markings and warning signs must be properly provided and maintained. Underpasses require particular attention during heavy rainfall because waterlogging can make them unsafe or unusable.

Accessibility is also essential. Pedestrian facilities should consider children, senior citizens, cyclists and persons with disabilities. Where stairs are unavoidable, suitable ramps, lifts or alternative accessible routes should be considered according to applicable standards and site conditions. Clear directional signage can discourage people from continuing to use dangerous track-level shortcuts.

Road users must continue to observe traffic rules on overbridges and within underpasses. Speeding, overtaking, stopping unnecessarily, driving against traffic or blocking pedestrian space can create new hazards even after the direct railway conflict has been removed. Infrastructure delivers its full safety benefit only when it is used responsibly.

At remaining authorised level crossings, every person must obey barriers, warning lights, bells and instructions from railway personnel. Nobody should pass under or around a closed gate. A barrier remaining closed for several minutes is never a reason to attempt an unsafe crossing.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) supports the expansion and responsible maintenance of grade-separated crossing infrastructure. Road Overbridges and Underbridges protect lives, improve mobility, reduce congestion and contribute to safer railway operations and better-connected communities.

Separate Road and Rail • Use Authorised Crossings • Obey Safety Signals • Save Lives

Fog Safety Devices Strengthen Train Operations During Low-Visibility Conditions

Dense fog can significantly reduce visibility for loco pilots, making it more difficult to identify signals, level crossings, stations and other important landmarks at the normal visual distance. Fog Safety Devices provide additional location-based information that can help train crews remain aware of approaching railway features during low-visibility conditions.

Indian Railways provides GPS-based Fog Safety Devices to loco pilots on fog-affected routes. These devices help indicate the distance to approaching landmarks, including signals and level-crossing gates. The Ministry of Railways reported that the number of Fog Pass Safety Devices increased from 90 as of March 2014 to 31,693 as of March 2026. Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways

A Fog Safety Device is an operational aid rather than a substitute for fixed signals or approved railway rules. It uses stored route information and satellite-based positioning to provide advance alerts about selected landmarks. This supplementary information can improve situational awareness when fog prevents a loco pilot from seeing normal trackside references clearly.

The effectiveness of the device depends upon accurate route data, correct configuration and proper handling by trained personnel. Equipment should be checked before use, and any irregular indication or technical failure must be reported through authorised channels. Route changes, signalling alterations and infrastructure modifications should be accurately reflected in the device’s approved database.

Fog-weather safety also requires prescribed speed control, vigilant signal observation and effective communication among loco pilots, guards, station personnel, controllers and maintenance teams. Retro-reflective sigma boards installed before signals in electrified territories provide an additional visual reminder to train crews when visibility is restricted.

Track patrolling and infrastructure inspection become particularly important during adverse weather. Cold conditions, moisture and reduced visibility may affect equipment performance and operational response. Signalling, communication and track assets must therefore be monitored carefully, while maintenance teams should remain prepared to attend to faults without delay.

Passengers can also contribute to safe fog-season operations by following official announcements and allowing additional time for their journeys. Weather-related speed restrictions or delays are precautionary measures intended to protect passengers and should be treated with patience and understanding. Passengers should never enter tracks or restricted areas during fog, when both visibility and awareness of approaching trains are severely reduced.

The All India Rail Safety Council (AIRSC) recognises Fog Safety Devices as an important example of technology supporting railway professionals in challenging operating conditions. When combined with disciplined driving, reliable signalling, correct route knowledge and effective communication, these devices can strengthen operational safety during periods of poor visibility.

Low Visibility • Greater Vigilance • Technology-Assisted Operations • Safer Journeys