PREVENTION OF FIRE HAZARDS IN RAILWAY BOGIES

Abstract

This paper presents a low-cost, real-time embedded system designed to prevent and  mitigate fire hazards in railway compartments. The proposed system utilizes the ATmega328P microcontroller as the central controller, interfaced with fire and temperature sensors, a GSM communication module, LCD display, buzzer, servo motor for emergency exit activation, and a water motor pump for basic fire suppression. The system continuously monitors environmental parameters within the bogie and detects potential fire risks based on sensor input. Upon detecting abnormal heat or flame, it triggers an alert mechanism that includes an audio-visual alarm and an automated SMS notification to railway authorities via the GSM module. The prototype also demonstrates emergency door control using a servo motor and initial fire control through a compact water-pump system. The system is powered by a 12V supply and is designed to be energy efficient and scalable. This paper highlights the hardware-software integration, component selection, and real-time response capabilities of the system. Experimental results confirm the efficiency and reliability of the system under various test conditions. The proposed solution provides a proactive approach to enhance passenger safety and can be extended to buses, metros, and public buildings. It contributes significantly to modernizing railway safety infrastructure through smart embedded technology.