Lets do this the 3D way! Railways train loco pilots with advanced technology simulators

New Delhi, March 13: Modernization has been a key objective in bringing out the best technologies and innovation in the field of expertise. In this consideration, the train drivers will be undergoing an advanced training on digital crew stimulation system with 3D technology. This technological advancement will improve the alertness and enhance safety in train operations. 

 

In this regard, Indian Railways has decided to equip all divisions with advanced simulators at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore (close to $54 million) for training loco pilots. Enabling facilities for advanced simulators has been made under Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh for providing simulator-based training of crew across Indian Railways in the budget for 2018-19.

Locomotive pilots and assistant locomotive pilots are ought to be the most vital staff of the Railways and play a crucial role in train operations and safety. Globally, simulator-based training is emerging as a critical factor of crew training as this helps improve driving proficiency by providing training in a real-life environment and exposing trainees to unusual occurrences. Over 12,000 electric and diesel locomotives daily run on the 66,000 km network across the country. There are about 86,000 train drivers in the Railways.

All divisions will now have the facility for simulation-based training for locomotive crew through a mix of full-cab, motion-based simulators, networked desktop simulators and computer graphic imagery of important rail sections. The Railway officials have been planning to modernise the crew training infrastructure across the network by extensively using computer modeling, simulation, digital and 3D technologies and interactive knowledge-based training and assessment tools.

Emphasis is also on introducing e-learning cloud-based platforms and self-learning simulation-based training on android platforms.

Improving facilities for the commuters has been a prime focus for the Railways, but safety and assurance of loco pilots are equally important to make sure they have been provided with right facilities.