+
Railways mandates double-locking for all signalling assets
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Railways mandates double-locking for all signalling assets

The Railway Board announced that a double-locking system should be implemented in all relay rooms containing train controlling mechanisms, relay huts housing signalling and telecommunications equipment at level-crossings, as well as point and track circuit signals. This directive to the railway zones is the most recent in a series of instructions given after the tragic incident on June 2 in Balasore, Odisha, where three trains collided, resulting in the deaths of over 280 individuals.

The order signifies that the "access to the relay room" played a crucial role in the "signalling interference" that led the Coromandel Express to divert to the loop line at Balasore and collide with a stationary goods train.

Senior officials stated that with substantial evidence suggesting tampering with the interlocking system, the focus now is to ensure its "tamper-proof" nature.

This implementation of double locking will guarantee that these areas cannot be accessed individually.

The order stated that level crossing gates (goomty/cabin) housing signalling and telecommunications equipment in the station yard should be treated as relay huts. Until the double-locking system is established, the Station Master (SM) will possess the key to the current single lock.

"The Station Master should maintain the relevant records regarding the issuance and return of the key in the same manner as it is done for the station relay room. The proforma for handing over/taking back the key by the Assistant Station Manager (ASM) on duty should include a column specifying that the location for which the key was obtained by the maintenance staff has been properly closed and locked by the maintenance staff returning the key," the order explained.

One of the findings from the preliminary investigation is that work was being conducted near the accident site.

Also read:
Railways makes Rs 146.42 billion from May freight loading
Merger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways gains Public Support


The Railway Board announced that a double-locking system should be implemented in all relay rooms containing train controlling mechanisms, relay huts housing signalling and telecommunications equipment at level-crossings, as well as point and track circuit signals. This directive to the railway zones is the most recent in a series of instructions given after the tragic incident on June 2 in Balasore, Odisha, where three trains collided, resulting in the deaths of over 280 individuals. The order signifies that the access to the relay room played a crucial role in the signalling interference that led the Coromandel Express to divert to the loop line at Balasore and collide with a stationary goods train. Senior officials stated that with substantial evidence suggesting tampering with the interlocking system, the focus now is to ensure its tamper-proof nature. This implementation of double locking will guarantee that these areas cannot be accessed individually. The order stated that level crossing gates (goomty/cabin) housing signalling and telecommunications equipment in the station yard should be treated as relay huts. Until the double-locking system is established, the Station Master (SM) will possess the key to the current single lock. The Station Master should maintain the relevant records regarding the issuance and return of the key in the same manner as it is done for the station relay room. The proforma for handing over/taking back the key by the Assistant Station Manager (ASM) on duty should include a column specifying that the location for which the key was obtained by the maintenance staff has been properly closed and locked by the maintenance staff returning the key, the order explained. One of the findings from the preliminary investigation is that work was being conducted near the accident site. Also read: Railways makes Rs 146.42 billion from May freight loadingMerger of Konkan Railway with Indian Railways gains Public Support

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MMRDA Targets Completion of Projects by December 2028

The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is targeting the completion of all its ongoing infrastructure projects by December 2028, a year ahead of its December 2029 deadline, Metropolitan Commissioner Dr Sanjay Mukherjee has said.Speaking at the sixth edition of the Real Estate & Infrastructure Investors' Summit (REIIS) 2026 in Mumbai, Mukherjee said the authority was developing an integrated network of roads, tunnels, sea links and Metro corridors under its broader vision of “Mumbai in 59 Minutes”.The objective is to improve east-west and north-south connectivity an..

Next Story
Building Material

High-Performance Façades Gain Ground in Indian Buildings

High-performance façades are gaining greater importance in Indian architecture as developers and architects increasingly focus on energy efficiency, thermal comfort and building performance, according to Shankar Fenestrations & Glasses.The company said modern façade systems are increasingly being considered as part of a building's overall performance strategy rather than being used primarily as aesthetic elements.High-performance glass, curtain wall systems and structural glazing can contribute to thermal regulation, solar control, daylight management and indoor comfort. Their growing ad..

Next Story
Technology

SPML Infra's 104.4 kWh BESS Battery Pack Clears Global Tests

SPML Infra has announced that its proprietary 104.4 kWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) battery pack has completed key international safety, performance and transportation testing and certification requirements, marking a step towards its commercial deployment.Developed under the company's own intellectual property, the battery pack has completed requirements under UL9540A, IEC 62619, IEC 63056, IEC 60730, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4 and UN38.3 standards.The testing covers areas including thermal runaway safety, battery performance, system functional safety, electromagnetic compatibility..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code