Dhanbad/Asansol: Passenger trains running between Howrah and Dhanbad will soon be safer than before. The process of adopting Multi-Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) technology has begun.
This advanced technology will be used to detect the presence or absence of trains on the tracks. It will count the axles or wheels of trains entering and leaving sections, providing crucial data.
Approval for Nine Railway Stations
This technology will help improve train operations and significantly reduce the risk of signaling failures. In the first phase, approval has been received to implement this at nine stations in the Asansol rail division.
The stations where it will be implemented include Kulti, Barakar, Kumardubi, Mugma, Thapar Nagar, Kalubathan, Chhotanagpur, Basukinath, and Dumka. The total estimated cost of this project is ₹23.41 crore.
Approval for Two MSDACs
As part of the automatic block signaling work, a project worth ₹44.59 crore has been approved for dual-mode Multi-Section Digital Axle Counters (MSDAC) between Khana-Andal and Sitarampur-Chhotanagpur.
This dual-mode MSDAC will further enhance the reliability of the automatic block signaling system, ensuring smooth and safe train operations in these critical sections.
How Multi-Section Digital Axle Counters Work
The Multi-Section Digital Axle Counter is a sophisticated train detection system designed to ensure smooth and safe train movements. It is used to increase safety and punctuality in railway signaling.
When a passing train crosses sensors installed at both ends of a track section, the system counts the axles. This helps accurately determine whether a section is occupied or clear, ensuring smooth and safe train movements.
The system can also function during track flooding. Unlike traditional signaling systems, MSDAC relies on digital technology, making it highly reliable even in challenging weather conditions.
How Signaling Works
In an automatic signaling system, signals are controlled through sensors laid on the track. During rainy days, water on the tracks can cause faults, leading to the automatic signaling system malfunctioning.
Digital axle counters are installed at affected locations, ensuring that signals continue to function. By precisely detecting train positions, MSDAC significantly reduces the risk of signaling failures.
The MSDAC work at nine stations in the Asansol division has begun, though no specific timeline has been set yet. The installation on the track and control room operations are underway. The work for dual-mode MSDAC between Khana-Andal and Sitarampur-Chhotanagpur has not yet started. – Biplab Bauri, Public Relations Officer, Asansol Rail Division
