New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved ₹209 crore for the installation of Electronic Interlocking (EI) at seven stations in the Solapur Division of Central Railway.
The approved signalling project covers Mohol, Mundhewadi, Bale, Solapur, Hotgi Junction-Hotgi A Cabin, Shahabad and Wadi Junction. These stations are located on the High Density Network (HDN) 7 route, where works related to Kavach, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) and Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) have also been sanctioned.
The project is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise railway signalling, strengthen safety systems and improve operational efficiency on high-density routes.
Electronic Interlocking to Be Installed at Seven Stations
The ₹209-crore project will provide Electronic Interlocking at the following stations and locations:
- Mohol
- Mundhewadi
- Bale
- Solapur
- Hotgi Junction-Hotgi A Cabin
- Shahabad
- Wadi Junction
The stations fall under the Solapur Division of Central Railway and are situated on the HDN 7 route.
Project to Support Kavach and Modern Signalling Systems
The Electronic Interlocking works are being taken up alongside other modern railway signalling initiatives on the route.
The HDN 7 route has sanctioned works for:
- Kavach, the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system
- Automatic Block Signalling (ABS)
- Centralised Traffic Control (CTC)
- Electronic Interlocking (EI)
The integration of these systems is expected to strengthen signalling infrastructure and support safer and more efficient train operations.
What Is Electronic Interlocking?
Electronic Interlocking is a computer-based railway signalling system that replaces conventional relay-based interlocking arrangements.
The modern system provides several operational and maintenance benefits, including:
- More reliable control of railway points and signals
- Faster fault detection
- Quicker fault restoration
- Easier maintenance of signalling equipment
- More efficient train operations
By adopting computer-based signalling technology, Indian Railways is working to improve the reliability and responsiveness of signalling systems across important railway routes.
₹209 Crore Project to Strengthen Railway Safety
The installation of Electronic Interlocking at the seven stations is expected to strengthen the signalling infrastructure of the Solapur Division.
The project will also facilitate the implementation of Kavach, which is designed to provide Automatic Train Protection and enhance operational safety.
The modern signalling infrastructure will support more effective management of train movements while improving the reliability of railway operations.
Focus on Modernising High-Density Railway Routes
The project forms part of Indian Railways’ broader programme to modernise signalling infrastructure across high-density routes.
The focus is on deploying advanced signalling and train protection technologies to improve:
- Railway safety
- Signalling reliability
- Train movement management
- Fault detection and restoration
- Operational efficiency
With the ₹209-crore approval, the Solapur Division will receive upgraded signalling infrastructure at seven key locations along the HDN 7 route.
Read also: Indian Railways Approves ₹252 Crore for Kavach 4.0 Across 607.7 Route Kilometres in Lucknow Division
