MALIGAON, JUNE 17 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has taken a significant step forward in modernising its railway infrastructure with the successful commissioning of a state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI) system at Mariani (MXN) station under the Tinsukia Division.
The new system was commissioned on June 13, marking a milestone in NFR’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational safety and efficiency. Train No. 15604 Guwahati Intercity Express became the first to pass on signal under the upgraded system at 21:55 hrs on the same day.
The distributed EI system brings a host of advanced features aimed at ensuring seamless train operations and reducing human error. The configuration includes 135 routes and is supported by two dual Video Display Units (VDUs) for improved interface and control.
As part of the upgradation, 33 point machines have been installed to manage track turnouts, while the station layout now includes 12 lines—five running and seven non-running—for greater operational flexibility.
To further bolster safety, the system features 19 main signals and 30 shunt signals, along with 44 DC track circuits that enable continuous train detection. The station is also equipped with three sets of Integrated Power Supply (IPS) units and a 300 Ah battery bank to provide uninterrupted power to signalling components.
For data management and diagnostics, three loggers have been installed, each with a capacity of 512 digital and 32 analog inputs, enabling real-time monitoring and accurate fault detection.
In addition, two manned level crossing gates have been integrated into the signalling network, and a fire alarm system has been installed to meet modern safety standards.
To facilitate secure block working between stations, the system includes three sets of Universal Fail Safe Block Interface (UFSBI) units along with HASSDAC (Hassdac Automatic Signalling System with Dual Audio Communication) systems.
Crucially, all over-aged indoor and outdoor signalling equipment has been replaced as part of the commissioning, aligning Mariani Station’s infrastructure with current technological benchmarks.
