Mumbai: Simulator training for loco pilots at Virar car shed helps WR reduce ‘line failures’

The simulator was installed in August 2018 at the cost of Rs 12 crore to train motormen for piloting an electrical multiple unit (EMU). Minor failures that caused the train to be stuck on the tracks were termed as “line failures”, which would only be resolved after the train was attended to by technical staff.

However, the motormen, at a five-day intensive training at the Virar car shed, were trained to sharpen their reaction in situations such as waterlogging and trespassing and to conduct troubleshooting measures during line failures.

Created in the shape of a motor cab, a motorman is first asked to pilot the simulator from a given section. “The entire Mumbai suburban section was recorded with the buildings and infrastructure around the tracks being recreated on the visual screen visible through the cab,” an official said.