The State Railway Administration of Ukraine (Ukrzaliznytsia) in April-June 2012 will equip 1,100 freight electric locomotives with satellite navigation systems, the press service of Ukrzaliznytsia has reported.
The press service said that the decision was made after a meeting on the results of tests of satellite navigation systems at 18 locomotives.
Information will be transferred using GPRS technology via mobile operators’ channels.
The satellite navigation systems were tested from February 25 to March 10, 2012 at sections of Odesa, Pivdenno-Zakhidna and Pivdenna railways.
During the tests it was established that satellite navigation systems provide for the transfer of information on the location of locomotives in real time, which makes it possible to control the use of traction rolling stock. The use of the satellite navigation systems will promote the cut in expenses thanks to rational use of rolling stock.
"The installation of satellite navigation systems on locomotives will allow the optimization of the work of traffic superintendents and depot workers, who won’t have to fill out information manually, and a switch to the formation of the electronic train schedule in the second half of the year," Ukrzaliznytsia Director General Volodymyr Kozak said.
He said that the electronic scheme of infrastructure facilities of Ukrainian railways would be created along with the above-mentioned work. Jointly with the use of satellite navigation systems on locomotives, this will allow the automation of shipping management.
