Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is RailRadar "Fog View"?

   RailRadar "Fog View" is designed to give a quick visualization of fog related incidences on Rail Travel. In its first release, this map is designed to show fog-affected trains and routes across the country, as reported in the last 24 hours.

2. What does RailRadar "Fog View" display on the map?

   The "Fog View" displays locations across the country where fog has had an impact on any train(s) in the previous 24 hrs.
   
   An icon represents these locations or sections on the map. Clicking on any of icons gives information about the affected route and the train/s.
   
   Travellers interested in finding out if the fog has impacted their train in the last 24 hours can search for it in the left panel. Clicking on their train of interest will plot its entire route and show areas where it may have encountered the fog in the previous day. The parts of the route where the train was delayed by fog in the past 24 hours are shown as a white-line and the non-affected areas by a yellow-line. Please note however, that since fog is so unpredictable, this information may not be helpful for forecasting future delays.

3. Why are there two views of RailRadar?

   To represent varied information in a manner that is intuitively clear, we have created two different views of RailRadar. You can toggle between these views by clicking on the selector box from any view, to open the other view. The two views of RailRadar are

   • Live view = Live Tracker of movements of trains which are currently running in entire India
   • Fog view= Visualization of all Rail Travel-related fog incidences/updates across India.
4. Is this information reliable and accurate?

   Let's address this question in two parts. On the reliability part – Absolutely!! The information and intelligence behind RailRadar™ is extracted from the official Indian Railway's operational data. With regards to accuracy – this is fairly accurate in the normal running scenarios.

5. As a traveler, how should I use this information?

   Forewarned is forearmed. The information presented here is to supplement the information you may receive from other sources, such as the meteorological department.
   
   In case of fog, you may want to check and recheck the progress of the train as you plan to reach the station because the fog can change very quickly and its impact is unpredictable.
   
   Also, keep a margin for frequent or long delays when you make travel plans during the fog season.

6. Will my train be affected by the fog?

   For reasons listed above, it is difficult for Indian Railways to obtain a reliable prediction of fog and to have a detailed operational plan in place—in advance. Our first priority is to ensure safety of passengers, followed by minimum delays to services on a best effort basis.
   
   While delays cannot be avoided, through accurate and timely information, it is hoped that distress to passengers can be somewhat mitigated.

7. I noticed that only a few trains got affected / delayed while going through the fog-affected section?

   There could be many reasons for this. The intensity of fog, its sudden appearance, the presence (or absence) of other trains in the corridor can all affect the operations.

8. My train did cross the fog-affected section during the time of fog. However, I don’t see it to be reported on the map/trainenquiry.com?

   Only the trains which are delayed because of the fog (maybe in combination with other causes) are included in the report.

9. Where do I find out if my train is cancelled or diverted?

   TrainEnquiry.com lists trains which are cancelled or planned to be diverted. You can find it here

10. Where do I find out if my train has been rescheduled?

    Simply search for your train on TrainEnquiry.com. On Step 2, you can find out if your train has been rescheduled from origin.

11. How do I prepare myself for train travel during the fog season?

    Please keep yourself informed by periodically checking the status of your train for any updates.
    
    Besides delays, other possible impact could be rescheduling, cancellation or diversion of trains. These details are provided on the fog incidents page.
    
    Railways try their best to keep the trains moving, but please be prepared for longer journey times.

12. Can fog occurrence be predicted?

    Fog occurs when the ambient temperature is close to the dew point. Therefore, there is a high probability of fog when such conditions prevail. However, the specific time of its occurrence, duration and intensity is difficult to predict. Fog may form in a place, be transported from one location to another, and may form in minutes or over an hour.
    
    Weather Scientists across the world are pursuing prediction techniques for fog, including the Indian Meteorological Department. Please see: http://www.imd.gov.in/section/nhac/dynamic/fogvis1.htm .

13. How does fog affect train running?

    Because it reduces visibility, fog forces a reduction in the speed of the train. This reduction is necessary to ensure absolute safety in operations.
    
    A train running slower than its schedule not only gets delayed, but may also cause other trains to be delayed. As the delays accumulate due to fog, the entire operation may be thrown out of gear.

14. Why is visibility an important criterion in train travel?

    The loco pilot must be able to see signals and clear length of track ahead.
    
    As visibility goes down, the train speed must be reduced too. This ensures that the train can be controlled within the length of track visible to the pilot.

15. Where does Fog occur in India?

    The Northern parts (Indo-Gangetic Plains) get the biggest share of fog during the winters. Fog incidents are also frequently reported from various other sections in Central, Southern and North East India.

16. How does one determine the severity of fog?

    Indian Meteorological Department categorizes the severity of fog based on visibility. With visibility lower than 500m is termed as Moderate to Dense Fog; Visibility lower than 200m is termed as Dense to Very Dense Fog; and for Visibility lower than 50m is termed as Very Dense Fog.

17. How much does a subscription to RailRadar™ cost?

    It’s free. But you may not periodically download the information or copy it to another website.
    
    We do appreciate a link to it from your web site or blog, or if you help get the word out to your social network on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

18. I see a consistent discrepancy or anomaly in the tracking data. What should I do?

    Please email your concerns or comments to trainenquiry@cris.org.in

19. I see some anomalies in the route map of a particular train. Can I inform you that?

    We would appreciate that. Please write to us at our email – trainenquiry@cris.org.in

20. I have some ideas which can make RailRadar™ even better. Can I inform you that?

    Yes, please. We shall be happy to hear from you. Please write to us at our email – trainenquiry@cris.org.in

21. I have an unusual analysis, reporting, or corporate project and would like your technical expertise and data. Is it possible?

    Yes. Contact us at trainenquiry@cris.org.in and let us know about your situation.

22. I am from Media and am using the information/data from RailRadar™ for my article and reporting. What do I need to know?

    While Screenshots from RailRadar™ can be used for free, the information gathered from RailRadar™ must be attributed / referenced adequately.
    
    If you are using data/information from RailRadar™ in a report or an article, we would be happy to share additional information or provide other assistance. You may write to us at trainenquiry@cris.org.in.