Indian Railways overhauls signalling system to boost safety
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways overhauls signalling system to boost safety

The railway authorities are set to implement a new automated electronic routing and signaling system across their extensive network in response to the three-train crash in Balasore in June. This move aims to eradicate human errors from the system.

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the national transportation entity has initiated preliminary trials on solid-state electronic route relay devices and signals. The plan is to establish this technology as the standard within the next 10-11 months.

Vaishnaw emphasised that this technological shift would significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents resulting from human errors and signaling failures. The ongoing efforts in this direction have shown promising results, according to Vaishnaw.

The transition to these new standards will be integrated into the railways' overall upgrade initiatives. As part of routine maintenance, the railways regularly replaces relays at the end of their lifespan. The plan is to replace them with direct drives during these scheduled upgrades.

Currently relying on an electro-mechanical network to manage signaling systems, Indian Railways anticipates completing the shift to solid-state electronic route relay devices controlling signals over a span of three years.

To expedite the process, the railways intend to implement this switch on a mission mode, aiming to equip almost the entire network of 8,000 stations with electronic interlocking signals featuring solid-state relays.

Electronic interlocking (EI) is a critical safety mechanism managing train movements at railway stations and junctions. Unlike traditional relay-based systems, EI employs computer-based technology to synchronise signals, switches, and level-crossing gates, ensuring seamless train operations.

The decision to make this technological leap follows the tragic collision in Balasore, Odisha. Initial investigations by the Commissioner of Railway Security (CRS) pointed to both human error and faulty signaling as contributing factors to the incident, which claimed the lives of 294 individuals.

The railway authorities are set to implement a new automated electronic routing and signaling system across their extensive network in response to the three-train crash in Balasore in June. This move aims to eradicate human errors from the system. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the national transportation entity has initiated preliminary trials on solid-state electronic route relay devices and signals. The plan is to establish this technology as the standard within the next 10-11 months. Vaishnaw emphasised that this technological shift would significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents resulting from human errors and signaling failures. The ongoing efforts in this direction have shown promising results, according to Vaishnaw. The transition to these new standards will be integrated into the railways' overall upgrade initiatives. As part of routine maintenance, the railways regularly replaces relays at the end of their lifespan. The plan is to replace them with direct drives during these scheduled upgrades. Currently relying on an electro-mechanical network to manage signaling systems, Indian Railways anticipates completing the shift to solid-state electronic route relay devices controlling signals over a span of three years. To expedite the process, the railways intend to implement this switch on a mission mode, aiming to equip almost the entire network of 8,000 stations with electronic interlocking signals featuring solid-state relays. Electronic interlocking (EI) is a critical safety mechanism managing train movements at railway stations and junctions. Unlike traditional relay-based systems, EI employs computer-based technology to synchronise signals, switches, and level-crossing gates, ensuring seamless train operations. The decision to make this technological leap follows the tragic collision in Balasore, Odisha. Initial investigations by the Commissioner of Railway Security (CRS) pointed to both human error and faulty signaling as contributing factors to the incident, which claimed the lives of 294 individuals.

Next Story
Resources

Skyview by Empyrean is Making Benchmarks in the Indian Ropeway Industry

FIL Industries Private Limited, the parent company of Empyrean Skyview Projects that pioneered ropeway mobility solutions in India with Jammu’s Skyview Gondola, is currently developing the Dehradun-Mussoorie ropeway and is on track to complete Phase I by September 2026. The ropeway is set to be India’s longest passenger aerial monocable covering 5.8 km between the foothills of Dehradun in Purkulgam and MDDA taxi stand in the hills of Mussoorie in just under 20 minutes. The firm pioneered green mobility solutions in India with the development of the flagship Skyview Gondola in Jam..

Next Story
Technology

Creativity is for Humans, Productivity is for Robots!

On most construction sites, the rhythm of progress is measured by the clang of steel, the hum of machinery and the sweat of thousands. But increasingly, new sounds are entering the mix: the quiet efficiency of algorithms, the hum of drones overhead, and the precision of robotic arms at work. Behind the concrete and cables, an invisible force is taking hold: data. It is turning blueprints into living simulations, managing fleets of machines, and helping engineers make decisions before a single brick is laid. This is not the construction of tomorrow; it is the architecture of today – built on ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Bhartiya Urban Unveils ‘Bhartiya Converge’ GCC Enablement Platform

Bhartiya Urban has launched Bhartiya Converge, its latest business venture designed to become India’s premier platform for enabling Global Capability Centres (GCCs). The initiative offers an integrated ecosystem aimed at helping global clients gain a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Focused on enhancing turnaround time and operational efficiencies, the company seeks to deliver better business outcomes powered by top-tier talent. Bhartiya Converge presents a customised and integrated suite of microservices that addresses the nuanced and evolving operational..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?