**Executive Summary**
Indian Railways has approved a ₹405 crore signalling modernisation project on the Eastern Railway to replace ageing relay-based interlocking with Electronic Interlocking (EI) technology. Announced on June 17, 2026, the project targets 32 stations on High Density and Highly Utilised Network routes to enhance safety, reliability, and fault detection. The initiative is a critical step in supporting future technologies like Kavach and improving operational efficiency for passenger and freight services.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Scope and Funding**
* A total investment of ₹405 crore has been approved for signalling upgradation on the Eastern Railway.
* The project involves 32 locations, including 25 Panel Interlocking (PI)/Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) stations and 7 Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS) locations.
* Upgrades are concentrated on High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN) routes.
* **Modernisation of Infrastructure**
* Legacy relay-based systems are being replaced due to operational limitations, ageing components, and outdated power supply arrangements.
* New Electronic Interlocking (EI) systems utilize advanced digital technology for precise control of train movements.
* The upgrade addresses historical issues such as improper earthing systems and non-segregation of wiring.
* **Operational Benefits**
* Significantly higher reliability and reduced probability of signalling failures.
* Enhanced safety standards for both passenger and freight operations.
* Faster fault detection and quicker restoration of services in the event of a failure.
* Supports smoother train operations on some of the country’s busiest railway corridors.
* **Future Technology Integration**
* Creates a modern signalling ecosystem capable of supporting "Kavach" (an indigenous Automatic Train Protection system).
* Provides the necessary infrastructure for Automatic Block Signalling and Centralised Traffic Control.
**Impact Analysis**
**Eastern Railway Administration**
**Impact:** The administration will oversee a significant transition from legacy mechanical/relay systems to digital infrastructure, requiring a shift in maintenance and operational protocols.
**Action Required:** Execute the ₹405 crore project across the 32 identified stations and ensure the integration of EI technology with existing network operations.
**Maintenance and Technical Staff**
**Impact:** Staff will benefit from reduced maintenance requirements associated with ageing equipment and will have access to better tools for faster fault detection.
**Action Required:** Transition from maintaining legacy relay technology to managing advanced digital Electronic Interlocking systems.
**Passengers and Freight Customers**
**Impact:** Users of the rail network will experience improved service reliability, enhanced safety, and reduced delays caused by signalling failures.
**Action Required:** No direct action required; stakeholders will benefit from the improved efficiency and safety of the rail network.
**Indian Railways (National Level)**
**Impact:** This project advances the broader national strategy to modernise critical infrastructure and prepare high-density routes for advanced safety technologies like Kavach.
**Action Required:** Ensure the project remains aligned with the ongoing efforts to create a modern, high-capacity signalling ecosystem across the national network.
Key Entities Referenced
Signalling Modernisation Project on Eastern Railway: A ₹405 crore approved initiative to upgrade signalling infrastructure at 32 stations to enhance safety and reliability.
Electronic Interlocking (EI): The advanced digital technology being implemented to replace legacy relay-based systems for better fault detection and operational efficiency.
Eastern Railway: The specific railway zone of Indian Railways where the signalling upgradation project is being executed.
Kavach: An advanced indigenous train protection technology mentioned as part of the modern signalling ecosystem this project supports.
High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN): The specific categories of busy railway routes prioritized for the replacement of interlocking systems.
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways Approves ₹405 Crore Signalling
Modernisation Project on Eastern Railway for
Enhanced Safety, Reliability and Faster Fault
Detection
Relay-Based Interlocking at 32 Stations to be Replaced with
Electronic Interlocking on High Density and Highly Utilised
Routes
प्रव तथ: 17 JUN 2026 1:55PM by PIB Delhi
In a major step towards modernising signalling infrastructure and strengthening railway safety, Indian
Railways has approved a ₹405 crore signalling upgradation project on Eastern Railway involving the
replacement of relay-based interlocking systems with Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 32 stations. This
includes 25 Panel Interlocking (PI)/Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) stations and 7 Intermediate Block
Signalling (IBS) locations on High Density Network (HDN) and Highly Utilised Network (HUN) routes.
The project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to modernise signalling systems on critical
routes and improve reliability, safety and operational performance across the network.
Modern Signalling for Safer and More Reliable Train Operations
Many of the existing signalling installations on these routes are based on older relay technology and face
operational limitations due to ageing infrastructure. Issues such as non-segregation of clean and dirty
wiring, outdated power supply arrangements, improper earthing systems and ageing signalling equipment
have led to higher maintenance requirements and increased failure risks.
The approved project will replace these legacy systems with state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking
technology, which offers significantly higher reliability, enhanced safety and faster fault detection
capabilities.
Electronic Interlocking to Reduce Failures and Improve Operational Efficiency
Electronic Interlocking systems use advanced digital technology to control train movements and signalling
operations with greater precision and reliability. Compared to conventional relay-based systems, EI
reduces the probability of signalling failures, improves system availability and facilitates quicker
restoration in case of faults.
The modernised signalling infrastructure will support smoother train operations on some of the busiest
railway corridors in the country while enhancing safety standards for both passenger and freight services.
Supporting Capacity Enhancement and Future Railway TechnologiesThe project is aligned with Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to create a modern signalling ecosystem
capable of supporting advanced technologies such as Kavach, Automatic Block Signalling and Centralised
Traffic Control on high-density routes.
The approval reflects Indian Railways’ continued commitment to modernising critical infrastructure,
improving reliability of train services and delivering a safer and more efficient railway network for
passengers and freight customers alike.
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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma
(रलीज़ आईडी: 2273933) आगंतुक पटल : 344
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