Big push for NF Railway signalling and telecom infrastructure

GUWAHATI: The Signal & Telecommunication department of NF Railway has successfully added a number of new signalling and telecommunication infrastructures during the 2018-19 financial year thereby helping to improve operational efficiency. A total of 242 km of Optical Fibre Cables (OFC), which forms the backbone of all railway communications, has been laid and commissioned during the year. OFC are more reliable, efficient and durable cables suitable for both data and voice network. The OFC network of railways is also used for internet and data traffic.

As per a press release, in case of Quad Cables, N. F. Railway has surpassed the target for the year by almost 100%. Against a target of adding 154 km of Quad Cables during the year, N. F. railway has added 307 km of these cables in 2018-19. Quad Cables are high-quality insulated cables capable of carrying 1100 volts of Alternating Current (AC) and 1500 volts of Direct Current (DC). The Quad Cables are used for connecting signalling equipments and over the years use of these cables have reduced incidents of signal failures.

NF Railway is in mission mode for installing CCTV cameras to ensure better safety and security for passengers and accordingly eight (08) stations and 23 Level Crossing gates have been provided with CCTV cameras during the last financial year. CCTV cameras have also been installed in 11 railway hospitals during the year.

Indian Railways’ Computerized Reservation System (PRS) counters helps passengers buy tickets on any train running in any part of the country from anywhere in India. These counters are networked with mainframe computers through data lines which enables people in fur-flung areas (even where railway line does not exist) to buy tickets. Establishing such PRS centres and keeping them connected in the responsibility of the S&T department and during last financial year NF Railway has added 12 such centers.

The department has also introduced LED Display Boards for indicating Train Arrival & Departure at nine (09) stations during the year. More stations will be provided with such indication boards which are better than the conventional boards due to their enhanced visibility from a distance. In addition to these, 18 stations of NF Railway have been provided with digital displays which are used as Digital Museum displaying railway heritage to make the citizens aware of the great legacy of Indian Railways.

Also read: GUWAHATI CITY.