INTRODUCTION: Indian Railways Locomotive drivers, while driving the train, rely purely on visual clues and visual images besides the aspect of Signal to look out for obstruction on track ahead to prevent collision or mishap. This defines the development of TRI-NETRA on Indian Railway locomotives and any other self propelled vehicles .
WHAT IS TRI-NETRA TECHNOLOGY: The TRI-NETRA is the abbreviation for Terrain Imaging for Drivers Infrared, Enhanced, and Optical & Radar Assisted System. It comprises of infrared camera, optical camera, and radar assisted imaging system for assisting loco pilots in the identifying obstructions on tracks, mainly in foggy conditions. The device makes an attempt during foggy weather via ultrasonic waves by the help of which it will be able to detectany obstruction on tracks. Presently , The field trials are being undertaken .
Image credit:CSIR-NAL
BACKGROUND: In 2002-03 , Indian Railways had developed a modern technology and tried it extensively but it was found to be not successful, so the project was aborted and subsequently another technology of Fog-pass devices for seeing in fog was developed. Thus, TRI-NETRA system is the attempt by Indian Railways to develop modern technology.
Indian Railways conducted extensive trials of TRI-NETRA technology as to be sure that it would be perfect in detecting any obstruction on track during fog which without the proper testing and confidence to Railways , they will not implement the technology. The concept of TRI-NETRA was developed by the Development Cell under the guidance of erstwhile Member Mechanical, the specification and designs of critical components of the system were to be approved by the Research Designs & Standard Organizations.
Image Credit: Indian Railways
FEATURES OF THE TRI-NETRA: The Indian Railways has initiated the process to launch Terrain Imaging for Diesel Drivers- Infrared Enhanced Optical and Radar Assisted (TRI-NETRA) system to avoid train accidents. The system will be installed on the locomotive for enhancing the vision of locomotive pilots in disturbed weather.
- The device uses infrared radar technology to collect signals up to a distance of 2-3 km and displays the information on the screen fitted inside the locomotives.
- The TRI-NETRA will alert the drivers of any physical obstruction on railway tracks ahead and give time for the driver to apply the brakes to prevent train accidents.
- It would be very useful during fog, heavy rain and nights when drivers have to constantly look outside the locomotives to judge the condition.
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USES OF TRI-NETRA IN INDIAN RAILWAYS: Indian Railways is one of the most important mode of public transport in India. The TRI-NETRA will help to prevent the railway accidents in India. This technology equipped with zoomable visual and thermal sensor will be fixed on the front portion of the engine.
It will effectively catch a long range view of the track and present it live on a mini screen that fixed at the loco pilot’s cabin. The sensor and screen will be interfaced through OTG or Wi-Fi . This technology is an indigenous camera system and an outcome of efforts to address the current operational visibility issues faced by the loco pilots during odd weather conditions, especially fog and rain.
CONCLUSION: The technology is now under trials and soon , IR personnel must be trained in operation and maintenance of the offered System. Further , The equipment manufacturers shall arrange for training for operations and maintenance of the equipment which will be an integral part of the equipment supply.
