Indian Railways approves Rs 432 crore Electronic Interlocking project for Eastern Railway

Indian Railways has approved a Rs 432 crore Electronic Interlocking project to upgrade signalling infrastructure across the Eastern Railway network in the Asansol Division. The project covers 27 stations and cabins, including one Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) location, on the High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN).

By replacing ageing relay-based systems with modern computer-based signalling, Indian Railways aims to improve railway safety, make train operations smoother and support higher traffic on one of the country's busiest rail corridors.

The move is part of the railway's wider plan to modernise signalling systems across high-density routes with advanced technology.

PROJECT TO UPGRADE SIGNALLING

The sanctioned work includes replacing 28 relay-based interlocking installations, comprising 27 Panel/Route Relay Interlocking (PI/RRI) systems and one IBS installation, with modern Electronic Interlocking systems.

Electronic Interlocking is a computer-based signalling technology that replaces older relay-based systems. It offers better reliability, quicker fault detection, easier maintenance and greater operational flexibility, helping trains move more efficiently across busy routes.

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PART OF A LARGER MODERNISATION PLAN

The project is part of Indian Railways' ongoing programme to introduce Electronic Interlocking on HDN and HUN routes. These corridors are also being equipped with advanced signalling technologies such as Kavach, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC).

According to the Ministry of Railways, the upgrade will improve railway safety, support higher line capacity and ensure smoother train operations on one of the busiest sections of the national railway network.