The electronic interlocking project will modernize signaling across 27 locations in the Asansol Division, aiming to improve safety, increase line capacity and streamline train operations.
Indian Railways has approved an Electronic Interlocking (EI) project worth about $50 million for the Asansol Division of Eastern Railway, replacing old relay-based signalling systems with computer-based technology across one of the country’s busiest rail corridors, according to India Today.
The project will cover 27 stations and cabins, including one Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) location, on the High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN). It 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 provides faster fault detection, improved reliability, easier maintenance and better operational flexibility, allowing trains to move more efficiently on busy routes. The project also is a part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to modernize signalling infrastructure through technologies such as Kavach, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC).
According to India Today, the Ministry of Railways said the upgrade is expected to improve railway safety, support higher line capacity and promise a smoother train operations across the corridor. The modernization is intended to enhance operational efficiency while preparing the network to handle increasing traffic demand on high-density routes, supporting Indian Railways’ ongoing infrastructure upgrade programme.
