Northeast Frontier Railway upgrades signalling system in Katihar Division corridor

Maligaon, May 18 (MExN): Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has commissioned Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) in the Panjipara-Kishanganj-Hatwar-Kanki-Surjakamal section under the Katihar Division, officials said on May 18.

The newly commissioned ABS section spans around 30 kilometres and covers five stations, including three Electronic Interlocking (EI) stations and two Panel Interlocking (PI) stations.

As part of the project, four auto signal huts have been provided to improve signalling efficiency and operational safety, NFR said in a statement.

According to the railway zone, 14 level crossing gates fall within the section, of which six gates have been newly interlocked with the automatic signalling system to improve safety and facilitate smoother train operations.

The project also included installation of 196 Multi Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) detection points and 40 new automatic signals in the section.

NFR said the commissioning of Automatic Block Signalling would significantly enhance line capacity, improve punctuality and ensure safer and more efficient train movement in the corridor under the Katihar Division.

Highlighting recent infrastructure and safety upgrades across its network, the railway zone said that during 2025-26 it installed 24 interlocked level crossing gates, replaced five Panel Interlocking systems with Electronic Interlocking systems, commissioned 22.29 Route Kilometre (RKM) of Automatic Block Signalling and installed 25 sliding booms at interlocked level crossing gates.

The railway zone termed the latest commissioning another important addition towards strengthening safety standards across the network.

NFR further said that the Automatic Block Signalling system would be extended up to Guwahati in future to further improve line capacity, safety and train operations.

The project reflects the continued commitment of Northeast Frontier Railway towards modernisation of railway infrastructure, enhancement of operational efficiency and strengthening of safety standards across its network, the statement added.