New automatic signal to ease train movement

Raipur: South East Central Railway has introduced automatic signalling on the Raipur–Urkura–Mandhar stretch to enable smoother train movement, increase line capacity and improve safety on the busy corridor.This project covers a total length of12 km, including the 3-km Raipur-Urkuradouble line and the 9-kmUrkura-Mandhartriple line.The completion of this stretch brings the total automaticsignallingwork finished in the 2026-27financial yearto 21 km (double line equivalent).The new system features 14 automatic and two semi-automatic signals. To ensure real-time tracking of trains, 80 digital axle counters (MSDAC, Sigma make) equipped with dual detection and media diversity have been installed.Under this arrangement, the Raipur-Urkurasection now has three auto sections each on the Up and Down lines. TheUrkura-Mandharsection includes four auto sections each on the Up, Down, and bidirectional Middle lines. SECR has also provided a Universal Fail-Safe Block Interface (UFSBI) for transmission and a direction setting panel for the Middle line in theUrkura-Mandharsection.A new auto hut has been set up at level crossing gate number 417 to improve the reliability of thesignallingnetwork.The implementation of automaticsignallingallows multiple trains to travel in the same direction within a single block section. This reduces waiting times, increases sectional capacity, and ensures smoother train movement.SECR officialsstatedthat themodernisationof thesignallingnetwork is part of a continuous effort to meet increasing operational demands and provide a reliable travel experience.