The Ghaziabad-Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya section of the Indian Railways has become the longest Fully Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) section in the country. The 762 kilometer long route has been fully automated. With its implementation, it will be possible to increase the line capacity to run more train services. Railways plans to implement the project on existing high density train routes.
Railways have adopted ‘Electronic Interlocking’ to take advantage of digital and modern technologies in train operations and to enhance safety.
Indian Railways has started ‘Automatic Block Signalling’ on mission mode. ABS is a cost effective solution.
Till December 31, 2022, ABS has been provided on 3,706 route kms in various sectors.
In the financial year 2022-23, ABS has been made operational on 268 route kms. During this financial year, electronic interlocking systems have been provided at 347 railway stations. By December 2022, 45.5 per cent railway stations i.e. around 2,888 stations have been provided with electronic interlocking systems.
Automatic Block Signal (ABS) helps in controlling the movement of trains by automatic stop signal. These signals are automatically operated by the passing of trains in and out of the signaled section. The system helps in increasing the line capacity without building any additional stations.
The government is making record investments to modernize the railway infrastructure in the country. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has linked the reforms in Indian Railways with the development of the country.
In this regard, the government has also increased the budget allocation to the Railways. In the financial year 2022-23, the highest ever budget was allocated Rs 2,45,800 crore. Rs 1,55,181 crore was allocated in the budget in 2020-21 while around R