Revolution on Rails: The Ingenious Guruprasad Das and the Invention of the Vacuum Brake

Who Invented Vacuum Brake:

The Remarkable Story of Guruprasad Das

Guruprasad Das (The Inventor of Rail Brake)

In the annals of history, there are often unsung heroes whose contributions shape our lives in profound ways. One such figure is Guruprasad Das, a name that may not be familiar to many but whose ingenuity revolutionized the field of railway engineering. Born in Barpeta, Assam, Guruprasad Das embarked on a journey that would lead him to invent one of the most crucial components of modern trains: the Vacuum Brake.

Guruprasad Das The Inventor of Rail brake story is one of resilience and determination. As a young boy of Class VIII standard, he left his school in pursuit of opportunities in Calcutta (now Kolkata). It was there that he encountered influential figures like Literate Lakshminath Bezbaruah, renowned as Sahityarathi, and visionary entrepreneurs Bholanath Baruah and Kameswar Das. This encounter marked an epoch-making episode of the British period in India for Guruprasad Das.

Working as a mechanic helper in Bholanath Baruah's Motor Garage, Guruprasad Das honed his skills and caught the attention of a British gentleman who recognized his potential. This led to an opportunity to work at the prestigious "Warne and Company," a pivotal moment in Guruprasad Das's life. Under the mentorship of this British gentleman, Guruprasad Das was sent to England for higher training at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering.

During his training, Guruprasad Das exhibited remarkable talent and dedication, particularly in the realm of brakes. After five years of relentless work and research, he achieved a breakthrough by inventing the Vacuum Brake for trains. This invention not only propelled "Warne and Company" to global renown but also earned Guruprasad Das accolades, including being nominated as an Associate Member of Mechanical Engineers and conferred the prestigious Indian Railway Service (IRS) by the British Government in 1931, becoming the first IRS in Indian Railways under British rule.

Guruprasad Das's illustrious career spanned various domains, reflecting his multifaceted abilities. He ventured beyond the realm of railways, joining the Burma Oil Company and serving in esteemed positions such as Workshop Manager and Mayor of Calcutta Municipality. During World War II, he played a crucial role in the Department of Defense at Kanpur, retiring as a Colonel.

Throughout his service, Guruprasad Das continued to innovate, contributing significantly to fields beyond railway engineering. His inventions, including the "Cut off Control Gauge" and "Boiler Safety Valve," attest to his inventive prowess and enduring legacy.

Despite his remarkable achievements, Guruprasad Das remains relatively unknown to many. However, his contributions continue to impact our lives, underscoring the importance of recognizing and celebrating unsung heroes like him. Guruprasad Das's story serves as a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the enduring spirit of human ingenuity.

FAQs

• Who invented the train brake?

One such figure is Guruprasad Das, a name that may not be familiar to many but whose ingenuity revolutionized the field of railway engineering. Born in Barpeta, Assam, Guruprasad Das embarked on a journey that would lead him to invent one of the most crucial components of modern trains: the Vacuum Brake.

• What is the principle of the vacuum brake?

The vacuum brake operates on the principle of creating a partial vacuum within a brake pipe connected throughout the length of the train. When the brake is applied, atmospheric pressure forces air into the brake pipe, creating a vacuum in the brake cylinders attached to each car, which in turn applies the brakes.

• Where does brake vacuum come from?

The brake vacuum is typically generated by a vacuum pump driven by the engine. This pump removes air from the brake pipe, creating a vacuum. Alternatively, in older systems, the vacuum may be generated by steam ejectors or other methods. The vacuum is essential for proper operation of vacuum brakes in trains.