Guwahati, 18 May (HS): Northeast Frontier Railway has commissioned a modern Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system in the Panjipara–Kishanganj–Hatwar–Kanki–Surjakamal section of West Bengal, aiming to strengthen railway safety, improve punctuality and enhance line capacity.

According to NFR CPRO Kapinjal Kishor Sharma, the newly upgraded ABS section stretches across nearly 30 kilometres and covers five railway stations, including three Electronic Interlocking (EI) stations and two Panel Interlocking (PI) stations. Four Auto Signal huts have also been installed as part of the signalling modernisation work to improve operational efficiency.

Officials stated that 14 level crossing gates fall under the upgraded section, of which six gates have been newly interlocked with the automatic signalling system to ensure safer and smoother train movement. In addition, 196 Multi Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) detection points and 40 new automatic signals have been installed in the corridor.

Railway authorities said the commissioning of the Automatic Block Signalling system will enable more efficient train handling, reduce delays and significantly improve safety standards in this important route under the Katihar Division.

NFR further informed that during 2025-26, the zone has carried out several major signalling and safety enhancement projects, including installation of 24 interlocked level crossing gates, replacement of five Panel Interlocking systems with Electronic Interlocking, commissioning of 22.29 Route Kilometres of Automatic Block Signalling and installation of 25 sliding booms at interlocked level crossing gates.

The railway zone stated that the upgraded signalling network will gradually be extended up to Guwahati in future to further improve line capacity, operational efficiency and safety across the network.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash