31 October,2023 05:28 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Central Railway has commissioned the Block Proving by Axle Counter (BPAC) system in the Vasind-Asangaon section of the Mumbai Division. This technology upgrade, as stated by an official release, significantly enhances the safety measures for train operations.
The BPAC system assumes a critical role by meticulously assessing the last vehicle within a section. It ensures the complete clearance of the section before granting authorization for another train to enter. Notably, the BPAC system was initially operational only up to Vashind railway station within the Kalyan-Igatpuri section. However, the Railway Board has granted approval for extending the BPAC operations from Khadavli to Igatpuri, and this expansion is currently underway, with completion expected soon.
"The Mumbai Division of Central Railway has successfully commissioned the Block Proving by Axle Counter (BPAC) system in the Vashind-Asangaon section. With this, the complete block section has been provided with a multi-section digital axle counter in dual detection and auto reset mode. The newly installed BPAC technology is poised to revolutionize train control in the region by fortifying safety protocols and expediting the clearance process for train movements," stated a media statement by the CR.
It further read, "The BPAC system plays a pivotal role in maintaining the utmost safety of train operations. Specifically, it meticulously examines the last vehicle of a section, subsequently confirming the section's clearance before granting authorization for another train to enter. This technology counts the number of axles of wheels of train coaches passed in a particular section and it ensures the safe clearance of all those coaches without leftover of any coach in the middle of the section. After its technical confirmation, the system allows the following 2nd train to enter into that particular section, thus ensuring 100% safety to avoid more than 1 number of trains in a particular section between 2 stop signals. This state-of-the-art technology acts as a vigilant guardian, ensuring that train movements occur without any compromise to passenger safety or operational efficiency."
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The Mumbai division has already implemented the BPAC system in various key sections, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to KALYAN, CSMT-PANVEL Harbour line, CSMT-Goregaon line, Kalyan-Karjat section, and Vasai-Panvel-Roha section. Furthermore, ongoing work is in progress for the BPAC system in other sections, such as Asangaon-Atgaon, Atgaon-Thansit, TGR3-TGR2, Panvel-Dapoli, Thansit-Khardi, Khardi-Umbarmali, Kasara-Umbarmali, Kasara-TGR3, TGR2-TGR1, and Dapoli-Jasai within the Mumbai division.
"Previously, the BPAC system was exclusively deployed up to the Vashind station within the Kalyan-Igatpuri section. However, recognizing its paramount significance in fortifying rail safety, the Railway Board has sanctioned the extension of BPAC operations from Khadavli to Igatpuri and its work is under progress and will be completed soon. Apart from this section, the Mumbai division has a BPAC system installed over the CSMT to KALYAN section, CSMT-PANVEL Harbour line, CSMT-Goregaon line, Kalyan-Karjat section, Vasai-Panvel-Roha section," the statement read.
This expansion project underscores the commitment of the Indian Railways towards adopting cutting-edge technologies that empower secure and streamlined train operations, it stated.
