For the Indian Railways, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, is developing a tamper-proof signalling system based on blockchain technology. The new technology, which is integrated with improved safety measures, would be a supplement to the current Data Logger, which is known as the “Black Box” of rolling stock.
In response to a request from the Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, researchers at the Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) department are developing a robust system to support a mechanism to assure the safety, communication, and control of train operations. Train operations will be reviewed to ensure “zero compromises” on safety.
Blockchain, according to Professor Aurobinda Routray of IIT-Kharagpur, is a technique for storing data that cannot be altered, hacked, or otherwise interfered with. The technique was widely used in both banking and cryptocurrency transactions.
“I am building the programme with a few colleagues at IIT-Bhubaneshwar after Mr Vaishnaw requested a proposal on a fool-proof signalling system based on blockchain. Many developing nations are implementing blockchain technology, and in my opinion, the Indian Railways can greatly benefit from this technology in terms of train operations safety,” he further stated.
