India

Minister of Railways reviews issues relating to braking in goods trains, seeks swift resolution

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Railways Minister, has directed officials to address the problem of erratic brakes in goods trains as soon as possible.

On Thursday and Friday, Vaishnaw presented the history and usage of the Bogie Mounted Brake System (BMBS), the problem itself and what is being done to fix it to officials.

There has been several incidents where the braking system on goods trains has failed, according to a report in the Indian Express published on Wednesday (November 23).

According to reports, Vaishnaw ordered officials to validate in-house brake trials. For the resolution of this system, more than 50 trials have been performed by various railroad units. Moreover, he requested officials to resolve the issue as soon as possible and with priority, sources said. It is not known what parameters or model conditions are causing the braking system faults, according to sources. Common faults include a lack of brake power, especially on downward slopes, and a non-uniform braking distance.

Identifying conditions and parameters can lead to a solution, according to officials.

Knorr-Bremse, which supplies the BMBS system, has also been pressed into service through its New York design center. Officials reported that video conferencing has been conducted with their engineers and designers. As part of the investigation, their representatives have also traveled to India to assist the Indian Railways.

The company has been asked to provide a solution that does not require dismantling braking systems from existing wagons, nor does it require the company to hold up wagons for days at a time. The brake system is installed on approximately 1.1 lakh wagons. Therefore, taking them out of circulation for days is not an option. Meanwhile, we have advised a speed reduction,” an official stated.

The results of the deliberations of an association of chief loco inspectors responsible for the operation of goods trains were submitted to the Ministry on Tuesday. As a result, they have identified 10 issues with BMBS and have requested the Railway Board to take immediate action. Trains have been observed moving for up to three kilometres even after applying the full brake, an issue known as “variable braking distance.” The issue of the “loss of braking effect” has also been described as “very dangerous.”

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Nisha

Hi, my name is Nisha and I'm an educational journalist based in India. I've always been passionate about the power of education to transform lives, and that's what led me to pursue a career in journalism focused on this area. I completed my Bachelor's degree in English from Hindu College in Delhi in 2013 and then went on to earn my Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in 2017. During my studies, I also completed several short-term courses on Education in India, Sociology, and other related subjects to deepen my knowledge in this field. I'm particularly interested in improving access to quality education in rural areas, where students often face significant challenges. I've worked on a number of initiatives to address this issue, including advocating for better policies, resources, and practices that can make a difference. As an educational journalist, I'm passionate about using my platform to highlight important issues in the education space. I've covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of technology in the classroom, innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and the challenges facing students from marginalized communities. One of the things I love most about my work is the opportunity to constantly learn and grow. I'm an avid reader and believe that reading is key to expanding one's knowledge and perspective. I'm always seeking out new ideas and insights to help me better understand the world around me. In summary, as an educational journalist, I'm dedicated to using my skills and expertise to make a positive impact in the field of education. I'm committed to improving access to quality education for all students and to using my platform to raise awareness about important issues in this area.

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