Indian Railways has approved a ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking (EI) project for 13 stations on the Durg–Taroki section of Raipur Division under South East Central Railway (SECR). The project will replace the existing Panel Interlocking system with advanced Electronic Interlocking technology, improving railway safety, signalling efficiency, operational reliability, and train punctuality.
Key Highlights
- Indian Railways approves ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking project for 13 stations in SECR’s Raipur Division.
- Existing Panel Interlocking systems will be upgraded to modern Electronic Interlocking technology.
- The project aims to improve railway safety, signalling reliability, and operational efficiency.
- The upgrade will support faster train operations and growing passenger and freight traffic.
New Delhi, July 01: Indian Railways has approved a ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking (EI) project for 13 stations on the Durg–Taroki section of the Raipur Division under South East Central Railway (SECR), marking another significant step towards modernising India’s railway signalling infrastructure and enhancing operational safety.
The sanctioned project will replace the existing Panel Interlocking (PI) system with Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 13 strategically important stations, enabling technology-driven, safer, faster, and more reliable train operations across the section.
The stations covered under the project include Marauda (MXA), Risama (RSA), Gundardehi (GDZ), Latabor (LBO), Balod (BXA), Kusumkasa (KYS), Dalli Rajhara (DRZ), Gudum (GUDM), Bhanupratappur (BPTP), Keoti (KETI), Antagarh (AAGH), Taroki (TDOK), and Raipur Store Depot (RSD).
The transition from the conventional Panel Interlocking system to Electronic Interlocking will significantly modernise signalling infrastructure across this important railway corridor. The advanced signalling system will provide higher operational flexibility, improved system reliability, and enhanced safety standards, supporting efficient train movement.
Electronic Interlocking is an advanced signalling technology that automates route setting, signal clearance, and point operations while incorporating multiple fail-safe mechanisms to ensure safe train operations. The system minimizes the risk of signalling failures, improves response time during operational disruptions, and enables quicker restoration of railway services.
With the implementation of the project, South East Central Railway is expected to witness improved train punctuality, enhanced operational efficiency, and better capacity utilisation, benefiting both passenger and freight services.
The project also strengthens Indian Railways’ ability to handle increasing traffic volumes by providing a robust digital signalling framework capable of supporting future network expansion and technological advancements.
The approval forms part of Indian Railways’ nationwide signalling modernisation programme, which focuses on deploying advanced technologies to create a safer, smarter, and more efficient railway network. Modern signalling systems such as Electronic Interlocking play a crucial role in improving train safety, reducing human intervention, and supporting the ongoing transformation of India’s railway infrastructure.
Conclusion
The ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking project for 13 stations in SECR’s Raipur Division represents a major investment in railway safety and digital infrastructure. By replacing legacy signalling systems with modern Electronic Interlocking technology, Indian Railways is strengthening operational reliability, enhancing passenger safety, improving punctuality, and preparing its network to efficiently manage future passenger and freight growth.
