ISRO to help put railway safety back on track
- The Indian Railways will join hands with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to get online satellite imagery for improving safety and enhancing efficiency.
- a massive exercise of GIS [Geographical Information System] mapping of the entire rail route and assets including buildings, land, workshops and other facilities in the network using geospatial technology
- The technology involves GPS (Global Positioning System), GIS, and remote sensing.
- geospatial services would be available from satellite-assisted navigational support through the GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation (GAGAN) system of ISRO.
- The MoU will facilitate getting images and communications through the satellite system. While the images will help map the area, communications will enable the introduction of Wi-Fi service in trains in a larger way. The technology will come in handy during accidents to ascertain the exact location of trains and the topography.
- The satellite images will be used for geo-fencing of stations for the paperless ticketing system. Geo-fencing is a virtual barrier which uses GPS or radio frequency identification to define geographical boundaries.
