+
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
Technology

Six ways a smarter workflow leads to faster, more accurate bids

In today’s fast-paced civil construction environment, estimators need more than just solid numbers. They need smart, streamlined processes. This article explores six key ways connected workflows can transform the estimated approach, help in minimising risk, move faster, and improve accuracy. By integrating tools, data, and teams, one can produce stronger bids with less rework, fewer surprises, and more confidence. As an estimator, the job goes beyond producing numbers. They are responsible for delivering bids that are fast, accurate, and built to win. In today’s civil construction ind..

Next Story
Real Estate

Experion Launches Women-Only Co-Living Project in Greater Noida

Experion, part of Singapore-based AT Capital Group, has launched its first co-living space under its managed rental housing brand, VLIV, in Greater Noida. The all-women residence features 730 twin-sharing beds with a strong focus on safety, comfort, and well-being. VLIV has committed a $300 million investment to create a structured, service-led rental housing ecosystem in India. The brand aims to scale up to 20,000 beds in the next few years, with a long-term target of 100,000 beds nationwide. “India’s rental housing is fragmented. VLIV is our way of building long-term, dependabl..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Officine Maccaferri Acquires CPT to Bolster Tunnelling Tech

Ambienta’s platform company, Officine Maccaferri S.p.A., has acquired CPT Group, a leading Italian developer of robotic prefabrication systems and digital control technologies for mechanised tunnelling. The move positions Maccaferri as a global player in integrated tunnelling solutions, blending traditional and advanced mechanised systems. Based in Nova Milanese, CPT serves major global contractors across Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. The company offers robotic prefabrication (Robofactory), productivity-monitoring software for Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), and eco-designed spa..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?