Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that it will provide navigational support to the Indian Railways through ‘GAGAN’ (GPS-aided geo-augmented navigation) system. ISRO’s Chairman AS Kiran Kumar said the space technology-based tools that will provide safety at unmanned level crossings. Gagan is an indigenous navigational guide system developed by ISRO on the lines of GPS system of the US. GAGAN was jointly developed by the ISRO and Airports Authority of India ( AAI) with a view to assist aircraft in accurate landing.

The Gagan signal is being broadcast through two Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites – GSAT8 and GSAT10.  With the use of Gagan software system, a train would know the location of any unmanned level crossing and soon a a warning signal can be given. As soon as the warning signal will be given, the train’s hooter will automatically start when it comes near an unmanned crossing.

GK Question

What is the Russian Version of GPS? GLONASS – a space-based satellite navigation system operated by the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces.