Indian Railways New Project: Big step of Indian Railways, mega signaling project worth Rs 432 crore approved for Asansol division

Indian Railways has taken a big decision towards making its network more secure, modern and hi-tech. The Railway Ministry has given green signal to a massive electronic interlocking project worth Rs 432 crore to completely revamp the signaling infrastructure in Asansol division of Eastern Railway. Under this mega project, there will be unprecedented improvement in both the speed and safety of trains on one of the busiest railway routes of the country. Old technology will be retired at 27 stations. Under this very important project, a total of 27 stations and cabins located on High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilized Network (HUN) will be covered. Along with this, an Intermediate Block Signaling (IBS) location will also be upgraded with state-of-the-art technology. In this way, a total of 28 old relay-based interlocking systems will be completely replaced by computer-based modern technology. What is electronic interlocking technology and its benefits? Electronic interlocking is a completely computer and software based modern signaling system. Compared to traditional relay-based systems, it is considered very safe and reliable. Fast Fault Detection: This system detects any signaling fault or technical fault rapidly in real-time. Easy Maintenance: Being computer based, its maintenance and repairing work is very easy and less time consuming. Better Train Operation: It provides greater flexibility in safe operation of trains on busy railway routes, thereby eliminating the scope for human error. Part of Railways’ Mission Modernization and ‘Kavach’, this project is a part of the larger campaign of Indian Railways, under which all the busy and important rail corridors (HDN/HUN Routes) of the country are being made safe. Along with electronic interlocking, technologies like India’s indigenous train protection system ‘Kavach’, automatic block signaling and centralized traffic control are also being implemented in a phased manner on these routes. According to the Railway Ministry, this step will increase the line capacity (ability to handle trains) in busy railway sections and the journey of passengers will become faster, safer and smoother than before.