Train safety system granted patents

Mumbai: An anti-collision system for trains developed by the Konkan Railway has secured patents from three countries - China, Russia and Singapore.

The recognition of the technology of "Raksha Kavach", or safety shield, opens up possibilities for future technology exports, according to a railway press release on Friday.

Konkan Railway has already obtained a patent for its innovation in India and South Africa.

The device designed indigenously by Konkan Railway, prevents head-on train collisions due to human error or limitations and equipment failure.

The on-board collision prevention system works on a combination of radio communication, micro-processors and global positioning system (GPS) technology.

The system when mounted on two approaching trains will enable them to assess accurately each other's course and initiate automatic braking in case they risk collision.

Designed as a non-signal system, the system provides a non-vital safety enhancement layer over the existing safety systems.

An anti-collision system therefore fills safety gaps left out due to limitations of existing signal-based safety systems. It is used as mobile systems on locomotives and guard's brake vans and as trackside systems at railway stations, level crossings and locosheds.