New Jalpaiguri: The Indian Railway has embarked on a project to set up automatic block signalling system across 500 km of railway track in the international border areas across the north eastern part of the country.
A total budgetary outlay of Rs 568 crore has been sanctioned for the first phase of this project. Work on the signalling system is proceeding from Katihar to Guwahati via New Jalpaiguri.
At present the automatic block signalling system is operating only from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) station to Aluabari Road station in the Katihar division.
In the next phase, the target is to extend this signalling system from Aluabari Road station to Kishanganj. Alongside the same work is also proceeding in the Alipurduar division as well as the Rongiya division.
Once this system is implemented, each section can run more trains and optimize the railway operations time management too.
The absolute block signalling system working jor is operative across most of North Eastern Railway. Under this system, once a train leaves a station, another train cannot be allowed to leave from the same station unless the first train reaches the next station. This often leads to congestion, delays and additional expenses.
With the new system, the signals are there every 3 km between two stations and immediately one signal is crossed the next train can be allowed. This will lead to a substantial reduction in congestion.
The whole project is expected to be completed in two years.
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