Strengthening safety measures, Railways will undertake field trials for fire and smoke detection system in 2750 coaches.
A pilot project for provision of comprehensive fire and smoke detection system has been taken up in the New Delhi - Bhubaneswar Rajdhani Express, said a senior Railway Ministry official.
Besides, one LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rake in New Delhi-Jammu Tawi Rajdhani train and one AC double decker rake running between Kachiguda-Tirupati/Guntur have also been provided with such a system.
"Based on the feedback from pilot project, railways has sanctioned for extended field trials in 2750 coaches," the official said and added, "water mist type fire suppression system is being provided on power cars in phased manner."
According to Railway Ministry data, in the year 2012-13, nine fire accidents took place on trains. The declining trend is continuing in the current year and till January 31, 2016 there has not been a single case of fire accident on train.
Railways have endeavoured to enhance fire-worthiness of coaches by using fire retardant furnishing materials to mitigate effect of fire, he said.
He further said specifications for such furnishing materials have been periodically reviewed to incorporate fire retardant parameters in line with UIC (International Union of Railways) and other international norms.
All new manufacture of coaches/periodical overhauling of existing coaches is being carried out with fire retardant specifications of the furnishing materials wherever condition based replacements are warranted.
Besides, fire extinguishers are being provided in all air-conditioned coaches, second class-cum-guard and luggage vans, pantry cars and train locomotives.
Improved materials for electrical fittings and fixtures such as MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker), light fittings, terminal boards, connectors etc., are being used progressively by railways to prevent fire incidents.
Railways have given detailed instructions to zonal railways for observance of safe practices in handling of pantry cars and for ensuring periodical inspection of electrical and LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fittings in the pantry cars.
Frequent drives against carrying of inflammable/ dangerous articles in trains as well as station premises are also being undertaken.
