Patna: In a major push towards strengthening railway safety and expediting the installation of the indigenous automatic train protection system ‘kavach’ across East Central Railway (ECR), the Railway Board has sanctioned Rs 233 crore for replacing the existing signalling arrangements with the most advanced electronic interlocking (EI) system at 21 stations in Samastipur division of the ECR alone .According to ECR chief public relations officer (CPRO) Saraswati Chnadra, the project will replace the present panel interlocking (PI) system with modern EI technology which is considered more reliable, efficient and safer for train operations. The upgrade will also facilitate faster implementation of the ‘kavach’ system in the ECR jurisdiction, he said .“The EI signalling will bring significant improvements in train movement management as it enables centralised control of points and signals through computer-based systems. It will reduce human intervention, enhance operational flexibility and improve the overall safety standards of train operations,” he said.Samastipur division which covers several important railway routes including areas bordering Nepal, has been focusing on modernisation of its signalling infrastructure as part of the railways’ mission to enhance safety and capacity, CPRO said.The installation of EI systems at these stations will help in smoother train operations, quicker route setting and better utilisation of existing railway infrastructure. The project is expected to play a crucial role in preparing the division for the wider rollout of ‘kavach’ which aims to prevent train collisions and improve passenger safety, he said .In addition the sanctioned work would be taken up in a phased manner with necessary technical upgrades and installation activities being carried out at the identified stations. The move is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise signalling systems and adopt advanced safety technologies across the network in the ECR jurisdiction, sources said .
