Indian Railways has approved the installation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 13 stations on the Durg-Taroki section of Raipur Division in South East Central Railway (SECR), at a cost of ₹226 crore. The project replaces the existing Panel Interlocking (PI) system with Electronic Interlocking, a shift aimed at making train operations safer, more reliable, and more technology-driven.
The 13 stations covered
The sanctioned project covers Electronic Interlocking installations at Marauda (MXA), Risama (RSA), Gundardehi (GDZ), Latabor (LBO), Balod (BXA), Kusumkasa (KYS), Dalli Rajhara (DRZ), Gudum (GUDM), Bhanupratappur (BPTP), Keoti (KETI), Antagarh (AAGH), Taroki (TDOK), and Raipur Store Depot (RSD).
Moving from Panel Interlocking to Electronic Interlocking across this section will substantially upgrade the signalling infrastructure on a stretch that carries meaningful traffic on the SECR network, with improvements to both operational flexibility and system reliability.
What Electronic Interlocking changes on the ground
Electronic Interlocking is a signalling technology that automates route setting and signalling functions, with advanced safety features built in. In practical terms, the upgraded system reduces the chances of signalling failures and makes it faster to restore normal operations when disruptions do occur.
The project is expected to lift the safety and reliability of train operations on this section, improve punctuality, and give the network a stronger technological base to handle the growing
volume of passenger and freight traffic on SECR. The approval fits into Indian Railways’ broader, ongoing effort to modernise signalling systems across the national network through advanced technologies, with the stated goal of making railway operations safer, smarter, and more efficient.
Key Takeaway: The ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking project will replace the existing Panel Interlocking system with Electronic Interlocking at 13 stations on the Durg–Taroki section of Raipur Division in South East Central Railway, strengthening signalling infrastructure, improving operational flexibility, enhancing safety and reliability, improving punctuality, and supporting the growing passenger and freight traffic on the SECR network as part of Indian Railways’ nationwide signalling modernisation programme.
M.C.Q.
Question 1: The recently approved ₹226 crore Electronic Interlocking project covers 13 stations under which railway zone?
- A. South Central Railway
- B. South East Central Railway
- C. East Central Railway
- D. Central Railway
Question 2: The primary purpose of introducing Electronic Interlocking (EI) in Indian Railways is to:
- A. Increase passenger fares
- B. Automate signalling and improve train safety
- C. Electrify railway tracks
- D. Expand freight terminals
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