**Executive Summary**
Indian Railways has approved a ₹274 crore project to replace relay-based signalling with advanced Electronic Interlocking (EI) across 20 locations in the Malda Division of Eastern Railway. Announced on July 2, 2026, the initiative aims to modernize infrastructure on high-density corridors to enhance safety, reliability, and operational efficiency. This project serves as a critical step in preparing the network for future technologies, such as the Kavach signalling system.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Scope and Funding**
* Total investment of ₹274 crore sanctioned for signalling modernization.
* The project involves replacing conventional Relay Room/Panel Interlocking (PI/RRI) with state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI).
* The upgrade covers 20 operational locations, comprising 18 railway stations and 2 Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) locations.
* **Technological Enhancements**
* Adoption of fail-safe technology that automates route setting and signalling functions.
* Significant reduction in the potential for human error and equipment failures.
* Creation of a technological foundation compatible with future systems like Kavach.
* **Operational Improvements**
* Enhanced reliability and maintainability of signalling systems on High Utilisation Network (HUN) routes.
* Improved punctuality and operational flexibility for both passenger and freight traffic.
* Quicker restoration of services during faults and minimized disruptions to train movements.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Malda Division and Eastern Railway**
**Impact**
The division will benefit from modernized infrastructure on one of its busiest corridors, allowing for the handling of increased traffic volumes with improved safety and reduced maintenance needs.
**Action Required**
The division must execute the replacement of existing relay-based systems with EI technology at the 18 stations and 2 IBS locations specified.
**Stakeholder: Train Passengers and Freight Clients**
**Impact**
Users will experience safer, faster, and more reliable train operations with fewer delays caused by equipment failure or manual operational errors.
**Action Required**
No direct action required; stakeholders will benefit from improved service punctuality and safety.
**Stakeholder: Indian Railways (National Level)**
**Impact**
This project advances the national mission to modernize signalling infrastructure across the entire network using advanced, fail-safe technologies.
**Action Required**
Monitoring the project's progress to ensure it meets the objective of strengthening safety and operational efficiency on high-density routes.
Key Entities Referenced
Electronic Interlocking (EI) Project: A ₹274 crore initiative to replace conventional relay-based signaling with advanced digital interlocking systems at 20 operational locations.
Ministry of Railways: The primary governing body responsible for the approval and implementation of the signaling modernization mission.
Malda Division, Eastern Railway: The specific administrative division and railway zone where the modernization project is being implemented on high-density corridors.
Kavach: A referenced state-of-the-art automatic train protection system for which the current project provides necessary technological readiness.
High Utilisation Network (HUN): The specific category of high-density railway routes where the signaling infrastructure is being prioritized for upgrade.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Approves ₹274 Crore Electronic
Interlocking Project Across 20 Locations to
Modernise Signalling in Malda Division
Modernisation Project to Enhance Reliability, Efficiency and
Maintainability of Signalling Systems on One of Eastern
Railway's Busiest Corridors
प्रव तथ: 02 JUL 2026 5:41PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards strengthening railway safety and modernising signalling infrastructure, Indian
Railways has approved the replacement of relay-based interlocking with advanced Electronic Interlocking
(EI) at 20 locations in Malda Division of Eastern Railway at a cost of ₹274 crore.
The project will replace the existing Relay Room/Panel Interlocking (PI/RRI) system with Electronic
Interlocking (EI) at 18 railway stations and 2 Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) locations situated on
High Utilisation Network (HUN) routes of Eastern Railway.
Modernising Signalling Infrastructure on High-Density Routes
The sanctioned project covers the replacement of conventional relay-based signalling systems with state-
of-the-art Electronic Interlocking technology across 20 operational locations, comprising 18 stations and 2
IBS locations in Malda Division.
The modernisation will significantly improve the reliability, efficiency and maintainability of signalling
systems while creating a robust technological foundation for handling increasing passenger and freight
traffic on one of Eastern Railway's busiest corridors.
Safer, Smarter and More Reliable Train Operations
Electronic Interlocking is an advanced fail-safe signalling technology that automates route setting and
signalling functions while substantially reducing the possibility of equipment failures and human error.
The upgraded system will improve operational flexibility, minimise service disruptions, enable quicker
restoration during faults and enhance punctuality.
The project will strengthen train safety, improve operational efficiency and support faster and more
reliable train movement on High Utilisation Network routes, while also providing better readiness for
future technologies such as Kavach and other modern signalling systems.
The approval is part of Indian Railways' ongoing mission to modernise signalling infrastructure across the
national network through advanced technologies, ensuring safer, smarter and more efficient railway
operations.
*****Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2280414) आगंतुक पटल : 241
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , Urdu , ही , Tamil , Kannada