Indian Railways has given the green light to a Rs 226 crore project aimed at modernizing the signalling infrastructure on the Durg–Taroki section of the Raipur Division under South East Central Railway (SECR). This project is a significant move towards enhancing operational safety and efficiency. The initiative involves the replacement of the existing Panel Interlocking (PI) system with advanced Electronic Interlocking (EI) technology at 13 stations along the section. The goal is to bolster train operations by introducing a more reliable, automated, and technology-driven signalling system.
The Ministry of Railways highlighted that the project will entail the installation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) systems at the 13 designated stations. This upgrade is expected to result in safer, more reliable, and technologically advanced train operations. The stations covered by this modernization project include Marauda, Risama, Gundardehi, Latabor, Balod, Kusumkasa, Dalli Rajhara, Gudum, Bhanupratappur, Keoti, Antagarh, Taroki, and the Raipur Store Depot. The transition from Panel Interlocking to Electronic Interlocking is anticipated to bring a significant modernization of the signalling infrastructure, thereby enhancing operational flexibility and system reliability.
Electronic Interlocking, known for its advanced signalling capabilities, automates route setting and signal operations while incorporating multiple safety features. Compared to the traditional Panel Interlocking system, Electronic Interlocking offers higher reliability, improved operational flexibility, and quicker service restoration in case of disruptions. The Ministry of Railways emphasized that this project will not only boost the safety and reliability of train operations but also enhance punctuality and establish a stronger technological base to manage the increasing passenger and freight traffic on the South East Central Railway network.
Indian Railways foresees a reduction in signalling-related failures, improved safety in train movements, and enhanced punctuality following this upgrade. The modernized signalling infrastructure is expected to enable the section to handle the growing passenger and freight traffic more efficiently. This approval is part of Indian Railways’ broader initiative to modernize signalling systems nationwide using advanced technologies to ensure safer, smarter, and more efficient railway operations.
