What is the purpose of the emergency alarm box?

The emergency alarm box is primarily designed to facilitate the safe and rapid removal of power from the train during emergency situations. This function is critical for ensuring the safety of passengers and crew, especially in perilous conditions where maintaining power could pose significant risks. By activating the emergency alarm box, the engineer can effectively cut power to the train, preventing further complications such as electrical fires or additional accidents.

While notifying dispatch, managing regular maintenance, and communicating with passengers are important functions in rail operations, they do not align with the specific purpose of the emergency alarm box. Its primary goal is to act decisively in emergencies, safeguarding lives and ensuring the train can be brought to a safe stop in a controlled manner.