Have you every thought what will happen if a Loco Pilot dies of a Heart Attack and there is no one in the Engine , will the Train over run the Stations or collide with another train ?
No nothing of such sort will Happen here comes to Play the Vigilance Control Device (VCD)
What is a Vigilance Control Device (VCD)
VCD (Vigilance Control Device) is an important railway safety system designed to monitor the alertness and activity of a train driver, also known as a Loco Pilot. Its primary purpose is to prevent accidents in situations where the driver becomes unconscious, incapacitated, or fails to respond while operating the train.
Time VCD Action 0–60 seconds Normal monitoring period 60 seconds No driver activity detected 60–68 seconds Visual warning starts 68–76 seconds Visual warning + audible alarm
After approximately 76 seconds Penalty brake is automatically applied
In Simple Words
No activity for 60 seconds → Warning for about 8 seconds → Alarm for another about 8 seconds → Automatic penalty braking after approximately 76 seconds.
VCD is also called a Penalty Brake
Everytime the VCD is applied the driver has to go through a series of investigations and why the VCD was applied