Mumbai local trains get ‘electronic co-pilot’ system for safer operations

The Central Railway has upgraded the Signal Location Announcement System (SILAS) in all local trains on the Mumbai suburban network to help motormen carry out safer and error-free operations, officials said on Monday.

The GPS-based system works as an electronic co-pilot by announcing the number and position of upcoming signals, including whether they are located on the left, extreme left, right or extreme right side.

More than 2,300 local train services operate daily on Central Railway’s suburban network under an automatic signalling system. With most signals positioned only 400-500 metres apart, motormen work under significant operational pressure.

Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Swapnil Nila said Mumbai suburban motormen perform a “single-man job” under extremely challenging conditions.

“SILAS is being upgraded to act as an electronic co-pilot, reducing stress and enhancing safety by ensuring no signal is missed,” he said.

He added that the upgrade is a major step towards Central Railway’s goal of achieving ‘Zero SPAD’ (signal passed at danger) in suburban operations.

According to Central Railway officials, the upgraded SILAS gives audio alerts 350 metres and 250 metres before a signal approaches. In the case of a yellow signal, the system repeatedly announces, “Be careful, next signal is Red”, until the next green or double-yellow signal aspect appears.

The system includes pre-loaded GPS coordinates, signal locations and route-specific audio recordings. Before beginning a trip, the train manager selects the required line, including up or down local and through lines.

Officials said SILAS is also being developed to announce upcoming halt stations 500 metres and 250 metres before arrival.

The upgraded system will also help analyse motormen’s driving behaviour by monitoring instantaneous speed at key locations, including yellow signals, platform entries, permanent speed restrictions and neutral sections.

Officials added that the system also enables real-time train tracking and speed monitoring of EMU trains for operational control.