Green light for warning system and rail barrier

by Priyan de Silva Matara Cor.

A solar powered, radio controlled, fully automatic railway crossing barrier and warning system which can be monitored on line, invented by Dr Sarath Wimalasuriya has been installed at the Aaladi junction railway crossing on Thonical Road in Vavuniya.

The Sri Lanka Police being asked to man all unprotected level crossings in the island Senior Superintendant of Police Vauniya Mahinda Ekanayake obtained the approval of the IGP to install and test Dr Wimalasuriya’s invention.

Two ultra sonic sensors installed two kilometers away from the crossing will detect the movement of a train and its direction. Once the detection and direction of the movement is sensed the two independent 500 milli watt UHF transmitter connected to it will send out a ten digit data code. These two sensors and transmitters are powered by a 5W solar panel.

The UHF receivers in the Central Control Circuit Box (CCCB) at the gate on picking up the signal activates the pre warning lights, siren and a LED display with a STOP sign. The barrier will gradually close fifteen seconds later. Sensors within the CCCB will detect the train as it passes the crossing and when the last compartment has passed the crossing the sensors deactivate the warning lights and the gate will open at once. A CCTV camera connected to the internet via a cell phone will enable to monitor the functioning of the gate, on line.

A non lethal pulsed electric current has been used to protect the devices and solar panels from thieves. The whole system costs Rs. 350,000 per unit and could be installed within a few hours provided the concrete bases are cast earlier. As it is fully automated it hardly needs any maintenance.

The unit installed at the Aaladi junction crossing was manufactured at the Police Garage in Vauniya. At present three persons at a cost of Rs. 22500 (Rs.7500 each) per month is required to man a level crossing.

According to Dr Wimalasuriya, although many requests were made the Railway Department were not prepared to test this invention!