+
Southern Railway revamps its signal infra to increase train speed
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Southern Railway revamps its signal infra to increase train speed

Southern Railway is revamping its signal system by extending the distance between lights to boost train speed and offer additional braking distance for trains.

As part of the project, double distance signals will be placed at Jolarpettai-Erode, Erode-Podanur, and Podanur-Shoranur, allowing trains to go at 160 km/h.

If this proves to be a success, development on other routes will begin. By renewing rails and automating signals, speed has already been boosted to 110kmph on several portions of the western and southern routes from Chennai. The next phase is to increase the signal distance.

B Guganesan, Southern Railway's chief public relations officer, told the media that with the proposed increase in speed and haulage capacity of passenger and goods trains, the existing signal distance is not sufficient, and it brings out the increase in braking distances requirement for some of the loads and speeds.

It was critical to have a second distant signal in such situations. In the event of too much gap between succeeding signals, the loco pilot would not forget the aspect of the signal they have picked up and would be able to steer the train with appropriate braking distance.

Railways had spent Rs 9.43 crore on double distance signalling on the western line from Chennai.

According to a proposal filed to the Railway Board for approval, similar signal work would be carried out over 757 route km for Rs 117.17 crore.

The new signalling would help trains operate quicker. The routes are being prepared because the railroads want to improve train speed in the upcoming years when air-conditioned trains will be used more on express train lines.

The move is also motivated by the railway board's announcement that air-conditioned Vande Bharat trains will run on significant routes, including those connecting Chennai and the southern cities.

Image Source

Southern Railway is revamping its signal system by extending the distance between lights to boost train speed and offer additional braking distance for trains. As part of the project, double distance signals will be placed at Jolarpettai-Erode, Erode-Podanur, and Podanur-Shoranur, allowing trains to go at 160 km/h. If this proves to be a success, development on other routes will begin. By renewing rails and automating signals, speed has already been boosted to 110kmph on several portions of the western and southern routes from Chennai. The next phase is to increase the signal distance. B Guganesan, Southern Railway's chief public relations officer, told the media that with the proposed increase in speed and haulage capacity of passenger and goods trains, the existing signal distance is not sufficient, and it brings out the increase in braking distances requirement for some of the loads and speeds. It was critical to have a second distant signal in such situations. In the event of too much gap between succeeding signals, the loco pilot would not forget the aspect of the signal they have picked up and would be able to steer the train with appropriate braking distance. Railways had spent Rs 9.43 crore on double distance signalling on the western line from Chennai. According to a proposal filed to the Railway Board for approval, similar signal work would be carried out over 757 route km for Rs 117.17 crore. The new signalling would help trains operate quicker. The routes are being prepared because the railroads want to improve train speed in the upcoming years when air-conditioned trains will be used more on express train lines. The move is also motivated by the railway board's announcement that air-conditioned Vande Bharat trains will run on significant routes, including those connecting Chennai and the southern cities. Image Source

Next Story
Building Material

UltraTech’s Limestone Mine Gets India’s First-Ever 7-Star Rating

UltraTech Cement, India’s largest producer of cement and Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC), has received top honours for sustainable mining practices. Thirteen of the company’s limestone mines were awarded star ratings by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Ministry of Mines, for FY 2023–24 during a ceremony held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Among these, the Naokari Limestone Mine—part of UltraTech’s Awarpur Cement Works in Chandrapur, Maharashtra—was awarded India’s first-ever 7-star rating for a limestone mine, in recognition of exceptional performance in ‘Green Mining’. The remain..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Sieger Parking Enters Mumbai Market, Expands West India Presence

Sieger Parking, a Coimbatore-headquartered specialist in automated and multi-level car parking systems, has announced its entry into Western India with the launch of a regional office in Mumbai. This move marks a key milestone in the company’s pan-India growth strategy and its commitment to delivering technology-driven, space-efficient parking solutions across urban India. The Mumbai office will serve as the regional headquarters for Maharashtra and neighbouring states, supporting end-to-end operations with on-ground sales, project management, and service teams. The aim is to fast-track..

Next Story
Resources

IGBC Green Kochi Conclave 2025 Champions Culture and Climate Action

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), part of CII, hosted the Green Kochi Conclave 2025 on 4 July at Hotel Holiday Inn, Kochi, under the theme “Tharavadu to Tomorrow: Weaving Kerala’s Heritage into a Sustainable Built Environment.” The event brought together policymakers, architects, developers, and thought leaders to discuss Kerala’s progress in blending cultural heritage with sustainable design.  Kerala is emerging as a frontrunner in climate-resilient development, thanks to passive design strategies, rainwater harvesting, cool roof initiatives, and the widespread adopt..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?