Vadodara: Train movements at Vadodara railway station are set to get quicker and smoother as Western Railway has completed a major yard remodelling and signalling upgrade, replacing a 34-year-old system with a modern electronic interlocking network.The new electronic interlocking (EI) system replaced the route relay interlocking (RRI) system that had been in operation since 1992. Railway officials said the upgrade will improve efficiency, safety and the station’s ability to handle more traffic.A key change was the removal of a double-slip diamond crossing, which limited certain lines within the year to 10kmph. After the remodelling, trains on Lines 6 and 7 can now move at up to 30kmph, reducing delays and allowing smoother entry of down-direction trains to Platforms 5 and 6.The work was carried out in phases over 45 days, between May 16 and June 29, followed by a non-interlocking block on June 30 and July 1. Railway authorities said the final phase was completed an hour ahead of schedule. During this, 147 trains were operated safely with minimal traffic disruptions.Officials said the new EI system has 189 routes and 10 slots and is supported by upgraded track-circuit technology covering 132 track sections. A new operating cabin has also been built on the southern side of the station to strengthen signalling operations and communication with the yard.The project also included upgrades to overhead electric equipment (OHE). Around 70 tonnes of new steel structures were installed, while old structures were dismantled. New wiring was commissioned on Lines 6 and 7, with more than 2.5km of contact and catenary wire laid on the main line and eight new crossovers electrified.A central control room was set up in the new electronic interlocking building to coordinate work among various departments and monitor progress.
