Indian Railways has approved a ₹226 crore project to install Electronic Interlocking (EI) systems at 13 stations on the Durg–Taroki section of the Raipur Division under the South East Central Railway (SECR). The project is part of the national programme to modernise railway signalling infrastructure, improve operational safety, and enhance the efficiency of train operations.
The sanctioned project will replace the existing Panel Interlocking (PI) systems with advanced Electronic Interlocking technology at the stations of Marauda, Risama, Gundardehi, Latabor, Balod, Kusumkasa, Dalli Rajhara, Gudum, Bhanupratappur, Keoti, Antagarh, Taroki, and Raipur Store Depot. The technology-driven upgrade is expected to deliver safer, faster, and more reliable train operations across this important railway corridor.
Electronic Interlocking is a computer-based signalling system that automates route setting, signal clearance, and point operations while incorporating multiple fail-safe mechanisms to prevent conflicting train movements. Compared with conventional Panel Interlocking, the new system offers higher operational flexibility, improved reliability, quicker fault detection, faster service restoration during disruptions, and reduced maintenance requirements.
The modernisation is expected to enhance train punctuality, improve capacity utilisation, and strengthen the division’s ability to handle growing passenger and freight traffic. By minimising signalling failures and reducing manual intervention, the project will provide a more robust and efficient operational framework for the South East Central Railway network.
The approval forms part of Indian Railways’ broader strategy to replace ageing signalling infrastructure with advanced digital technologies across the national rail network. Through the deployment of Electronic Interlocking and other modern signalling systems, the Railways aims to improve safety standards, increase operational efficiency, and build a smarter, more resilient railway system capable of supporting future traffic growth.
