Indian Railways Winter Fog Preparedness: Safety & Train Updates
As the winter season approaches, Indian Railways is intensifying its winter fog preparedness to tackle the challenges of dense fog. To ensure passenger safety and maintain train punctuality, the railway authorities have issued strict directives to all staff, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and responsibility during low-visibility conditions.
High-Tech Fog Safe Devices
A key component of this safety strategy is the massive expansion of GPS-based Fog Safe Devices (FSDs). The availability of these devices has seen a monumental jump from just 90 units in 2014 to a projected 25,939 units by 2025. These FSDs are essential for loco pilots, offering vital audio-visual warnings regarding approaching signals, which is critical when visibility is severely compromised.
Enhanced Visibility and Infrastructure
To combat the limitations of fog, Indian Railways is improving the visibility of its physical infrastructure. Maintenance teams are working on several fronts, including:
- Sighting Boards: Repainting these with yellow and black luminous strips to make them stand out.
- Track Marking: Using lime to mark track locations clearly for better visibility.
- Tail Lamps: Equipping the last coaches of trains with LED-based flasher tail lamps.
- Audible Warnings: Ensuring a sufficient supply of detonators is available for emergency audible warnings.
Strict Operational Rules and Training
New safety protocols are being implemented to prevent accidents in heavy fog. Loco pilots have been instructed to limit train speeds to a maximum of 75 kmph, or even slower depending on the actual visibility levels. Additionally, the Modified Automatic Signaling System (MASS) will be utilized to restrict block sections to only two trains during extreme fog conditions to ensure maximum safety.
To support these measures, specialized training and counseling sessions are currently being conducted for guards, station staff, trackmen, and locomotive crews to ensure they are ready for the seasonal challenges.
Impact on Train Schedules and Cancellations
While these measures are expected to reduce potential delays by approximately 30%, passengers should be prepared for some schedule adjustments. To prevent widespread systemic disruption, certain services in North India may face temporary cancellations or reduced frequency.
North Central Railway Service Changes
The North Central Railway has already confirmed operational changes for 13 trains scheduled between December 2026 and February 2027. Notably, the following services are slated for suspension:
- Prayagraj-Muzaffarpur
- Muzaffarpur-Prayagraj
These specific services are scheduled to be suspended from December 2, 2026, to February 24, 2027.
Passenger Advisory: Travelers are strongly encouraged to verify their train status before heading to the station. You can use the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) app or contact the railway helpline by dialing 139 for real-time information.