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Brief On The Visit Of: Shri Ashwanilohani
Brief On The Visit Of: Shri Ashwanilohani
visit of
Shri AshwaniLohani
Chairman
Railway Board
SIGNAL DIRECTORATE
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1. FUNCTIONS OF THE DIRECTORATE
Design, development &standardisation of Signalling & Safety equipments.
Adaptation & absorption of emerging software embedded technologies.
Investigation, analysis & remedial measures of specific field problems
referred byZonal Railways / Railways Board.
Improving reliability of signalling equipments.
Providing technical assistance/guidance to Zonal Railways.
Vendor development.
Testing of signalling items for vendor development & investigation. Issue,
review & revision of specifications, Test formats & STRs.
Issue of Pre-Commissioning Check Lists for vital signalling equipments.
SANDEEP MATHUR
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (CO-ORDINATION)/SIGNAL
ANURAG GOYAL
EDSIG
Environmental Section
The laboratory is equipped with full testing facilities for Power Supply Equipment
(Battery Charger, DC-DC Converter, Transformer etc.), LED Signal, Relays (Metal to
Carbon & Metal to Metal contact type). The laboratory is also equipped for testing of
electronic and microprocessor based equipments like Electronic Interlocking, Data
Loggers, Axle Counters, Block Interface for optic fibre cable, LED Signals, Audio
Frequency Track Circuits, Electronic Timers, Electronic Flashers, etc.
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Signal laboratory is also equipped for testing of all types of electromechanical
signalling equipment like Point Machines, Electric Key Transmitters, SM’s Slide
Frames, Primary Cells, all types of signalling cables and track fittings related to
signalling gears. There is a small signalling yard adjacent to laboratory having four
turnouts including thick-web high-speed turnout. The laboratory is provided with
requisite facilities of conducting type tests including performance, endurance tests
on all above types of signaling equipment.
In addition to above, regular type tests and investigations are conducted on all
the above types of signal equipment.
FACILITIES
Environmental Testing
The following test chambers are available to carry out testing as per requirement
of IS: 9000: -
Programmable Environmental
Test Chamber (Temp. &
Humidity)
Dry heat chamber
Cold chamber
Rain chamber
Salt mist spray chamber
Dust chamber
Mould growth chamber
Recovery chamber
Programmable Environmental
Test Chamber
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Test and Measuring instruments
Important test and measuring instrument used for testing of various signalling
items available in the lab are as under:-
Chromameter
Power Harmonics analyzer
Digital Storage Oscilloscope
Automatic Relay Testing Jig
Electrical & electronic load
High voltage tester
Insulation resistance meter
Cable testing equipments
High Precision Digital Multimeters
Power supplies
Tensile Strength testing machines
Automatic Pneumatic based life testing equipment for DLBI & EKT
LED Signals
Testing facilities are available for measurement
of colour coordinates and luminance by using
Chromameter setup of all aspects of LED
signals.
Chromameter
Relay Performance and Endurance Testing
Facilities for testing of all types of
signaling relays including line
relays, track relay, lamp proving
relays and point contactor relays
area available. Test benches for
measurement of all operating
parameters like pickup, drop-away,
voltage/time, contact resistance,
contact pressure, contact bounce
time etc. are provided for
expeditious completion of type
tests. Endurance test set-ups for
testing of relay for 10 lakh
operations are also available for all
types of plug-in type relays.
Endurance Test Setup for Relays
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Power Supply Equipment Testing
Facilities for High voltage test, induced high voltage test, performance test, endurance
test are available for all types of power supply equipment like Battery Charger, DC-DC
Converter, Transformer etc. used in Railway Signalling
The following test facilities for underground Signalling cables (including axle counter
cables) and indoor PVC cables/wires are available: -
The type test facilities including set up for endurance/performance test for the
following electromechanical safety signalling equipment are available:-
i) Point machine
ii) Signal machine
iii) Electrical point detector
iv) SM’s slide frame endurance
v) Lever locks
vi) Circuit controllers
vii) Block instruments
viii) Electric signal reversers
ix) Electric key transmitter
Automatic Life Cycle Tester
(Mechanical)
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Miscellaneous items
Other signalling items like PBT terminals, electric filament switching unit,
choke etc. are also tested regularly in the laboratory.
Performance
Following number of tests have been carried out at Signalling Lab during the
period mentioned in the table:-
Total 59 51 93
100 93
90
Initail/Development
80
70 Maintenance
59
60 51 Investigation
50
40 Acceptance
30 Climatic
20
total
10
0
2015-16 2016-17 2017-18
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4. ON GOING DEVELOPMENTS
Brief History:
The specification for the first phase i.e. Absolute Block System were
drafted as RDSO/SPN/196/2012 Version 3.1.1 through the process of EOI
in the year 2011-12.
In the year 2012-13, the Concept Field Trial has been conducted (in Oct-
2012) in Secunderabad Division of SC Railway.
Based on successful Concept field trial, tender to undertake trials on 250
km. section, was opened on 15.01.2013 in which 08 firms participated. By
end of 2012-13, few agencies have been able to develop lab demo models.
Trials in Lingampalli- Vikarabad- Wadi- Bidar Section of SC Railway
have been taken up for further development of TCAS.
Initially two field trials were conducted, first trial from 29.08.2013 to
05.09.2013 and the
Second trial from 24.09.2013 to 30.09.2013.
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During Trial basic inter-operability between two vendors was tested
successfully involving loco equipped of M/s Medha equipment could inter-
operated in the station provided with RFID tag and station equipment of
M/s Kernex and vice versa.
It was also possible to test basic functionality of equipment developed by
both the vendors including display of signal aspect, movement authority,
target speed and distance etc. in the locomotive.
Purchase Order for Contract Package-A & B was placed in June 2013 to
M/s Medha and M/s Kernex and for Contract Package ‘C’, was placed in
November 2013 to M/s HBL for development of Train Collision Avoidance
System.
Current Status:
The RDSO specification for Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) No.
RDSO/SPN/196/2012, Version 3.2 dated 17.05.2017 was updated to
resolve the issues observed during these field trials.
The development of Package ‘B’ firm is going to take another two to three
months from now.
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Future Planning:
Railway board has permitted conceptual TCAS field trials with E70 & CCB
type brake interfaced Locos (WAP-5) with speeds up to 160 KMPH at
BAAD station in Delhi-Agra section of Agra Division of North Central
Railway.
This is low-cost, portable equipment (Tiffin-box size, 1.5 kg, Battery powered) to
be carried by Loco Pilot while taking over duty-charge. It provides on-board real-
time information (Display as well as voice guidance) to Loco Pilot regarding
Location of fixed landmarks such as Signals, LC Gates etc. in advance to be
used particularly in foggy weather. Driver has to watch the landmark as per
operating procedure. Driver has to get Signal Aspect (Red / Yellow / Green) etc.
from physical trackside signals.
It displays approach indications of
next three approaching fixed
landmarks such as Main Line
Signals, Level Crossing Gates,
Neutral Sections, Speed
Restrictions, Stations etc.
accompanied with voice message at
~ 500m on approach.
Presently, approximately 5200 no.
of equipments have been supplied
and working in Railways.
FN mux will reduce the copper cable used in signalling at station and
block and increase in redundancy due to availability of alternate path.
Reduction in cost and time of outdoor work shall be possible.
With this model, conversion and verification of safety rules for signalling
system based on yard plan, control table and generic signalling circuits
shall be possible.
Model for equations for given yard for use of application data for EI to be
generated and verification of above model to check safety aspect by
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verifying parallel, conflicting movement and control of points etc. shall be
possible. Later in next phase, this tool will be used for generating verified
application data for EI.
The tool would be used for examining the effect on line capacity for –
5. COMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS
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indigenous Electronic Interlocking under the guidance of RDSO model
name EIS_2003.
With a view to have more reliability and easy interchangeability of LED signals of
various makes, integrated type of LED signals have been developed. Reliability
improvement measures have been added in these newly developed signals.
Adequate field trials have been done after prototype evaluations. 6 vendors are
now approved and 5 firms are under approval.
5.4 Non Metallic Colour Light Signal Units for LED Signals:
Railways have been using cast iron based colour light signal units for long time.
These are quite bulky and are difficult to handle during installation and
maintenance. Light weight colour light signal units have been developed using
Fiber Re-enforced Plastic (FRP) materials which are much easier to handle as
compared to metallic units. Modifications to suit LED signals have been done in
the specification. Recently, specification for such housing for signals other than
main signals has also been developed and existing vendor has been approved
for revised specification after evaluation of their improved sample. At present 3
vendors are approved and samples of 3 more vendors are under advance
stage of evaluation.
In any signaling installation, each relay circuit has a fuse which plays a very vital
role in the signaling circuit. While blowing a fuse in case of any short circuit
condition protects the circuit, a considerable no. of fuse blowing occurs due to
other reasons like transient etc. With the intention of reducing down time and to
monitor the status of various fuses, a new specification for Fuse Auto
changeover system has been developed. The system has one standby fuse for
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every signaling fuse. The standby fuse automatically comes in signalling circuit in
case the main fuse is blown. Provision for status monitoring both for main as well
as standby fuse has been done in the system. Remote audio visual extension of
alarm is also extended for immediate attention of the maintenance personnel.
Provision for sending SMS separately for main and standby fuse blown events to
designated GSM numbers is also made.
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M/s KYOSAN K5BMC Electronic Interlocking upgraded software without
journal module for improved interface to Data Logger and reduction in EI
cards.
Improved power supply card of Siemens EI (PSU mod C) are replaced at
effected stations by OEM to mitigate C zero error reported by various
railways.
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Permission was given to M/s CGL on 09.03.12 for 5000 relays with 6R
silver contact in place of 19R. Thus reducing the surface area of
contact and increasing current density. High current density will ensure
self-cleaning/flashing of the contact surface and in turn ensure
minimum contact resistance at the junction.
Firm supplied relay to NER and after satisfactory performance received
from NER, firm was approved for regular production of relay with 6R
silver contact on dated 05.08.14
As per 84th Signal Standard Committee (SSC) recommendation that “each zonal
S&T workshop shall manufacture 20 booms (10 sets) of rectangular stainless
steel and the concerned railway shall get them installed at busy level crossing
gates for field trial”.the proposed drawings for rectangular Austenitic stainless
steel boom Grade EN 1.4372/ASTM UNS S20100 (with properties of slightly
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lower density, higher structural strength, high corrosion resistance, higher
percentage elongation and also available in sheet forms for fabrication of
booms) after consultation with M&C Directorate has been developed and have
been circulatedon 30/10/2017 to zonal Railways and workshops.
7.2 Development of additional vendors for EI, Data Logger & DAC:
EI –under SPN 192 four Vendors (5 models) are presently approved and One
vendor is approved for supply of spares only.
Under 203 only one firm i.e. M/s Siemens MK-II is approved for field trial for Big
yard.
Two indigenous vendors (Medha [MEI-634] & HBL) under SPN 192 are under
process of approval.
Further 3 vendors under cross acceptance (Kyosan & M/s Safeconnect) for
Bigyard EI (SPN 203) and M/s Safeconnect for SPN 192 are under process of
approval.
Data Logger –Four vendors are approved and one existing vendor has been
temporary delisted (CGL). One more vendors i.e. VTL Electronics (under Type
test), is under process of approval.
SSDAC –Three indigenous vendors are presently approved. Two vendors (M/s
INsys Digital Systems & M/s HBL Power Systems, Hyderabad) have applied
under indigenous development and they have been given permission to
manufacture prototype sample. One vendor (M/s Frauscher India) has also
registered under cross approval.
Three more vendors (One Indigenous M/s G.G. Tronicsand Two vendors- M/s
Siemens for other Variants, & M/s Sigma, Kolkata under cross approval) have
also applied.
M/s. Medha, Hyderabad for the item MSDAC has approved for limited supply.
Permission for parallel trial to M/s GG Tronics has been given.
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7.4 Monitoring of indigenization status of vendors approved on cross
acceptance basis:
SSDAC –Based on request of M/s Eldyne and the revised cross approval policy,
M/s Eldynehad submitted prototype sample for type testing,which has been
completed.
Based on request of M/s Eldyne and the revised cross approval policy, M/s
Eldyne had been asked to submit prototype sample for type testing. Submitted
sample failed in Climatic test. Modified sample with new CPU card is under type
testing.
EIectronic Interlocking –M/s SRAPL (VLM-6) & M/s Ansaldo have done 100%
indigenization & both have been type tested. M/s Kyosan completed 72%
indigenisation, M/s SRAPL (MK-II) has completed 100% Indigenization.
A draft specification has been developed for IP-67 compliant point motors for use
in point machines so that these may not be affected due to water. Vendors have
been asked to modify existing point motors to make them IP-67 complaint. One
vendor has developed it so far and the motor has been tested for proper
functionality after keeping it in submerged condition for 24 hours. 5 such motors
have been given to Western Railway for installation and performance
assessment. Further trial of 3 such motors in Northern Railway and 2 in
N.F.Railway is planned.
So far, point motors with 160 V AC immunizations are in use over IR. In view of
requirements of higher AC immunity in point motors for long rage operation,
increase in immunization level of point motors is under consideration. All existing
vendors were advised to work in this direction. M/s. Globe Scott has been
approved for supply of 400V AC immunized point motors, other firms are being
chased to submit their sample for testing.
8. ASSISTANCE REQUIRED
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