Railway Infrastructure Modernization Gains Momentum Across India
In a bid to enhance safety and efficiency, the Indian Railways is making significant strides in modernizing and upgrading its infrastructure. As of October 2023, here are the key developments:
- Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) Milestone:
- ABS has been implemented at 4,111 route kilometers, improving signaling systems for enhanced safety and operational efficiency.
- Electronic Interlocking Systems at Stations:
- State-of-the-art electronic interlocking systems, with centralized operation of points and signals, have been installed at 6,498 stations to mitigate accidents resulting from human error.
- Safety Measures and Innovations:
- Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) has seen a gross expenditure of ₹1.08 lakh crore from 2017-18 to 2021-22 for safety asset replacement/upgradation.
- Interlocking of Level Crossing (LC) Gates at 11,137 locations enhances safety at these crucial points.
- Block Proving Axle Counters (BPACs) have been deployed on 6,450 Block Sections to automate clearance and reduce human intervention.
- ‘Kavach,’ an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, has been implemented as a national ATP system since July 2020.
- Innovative Technologies for Rail Travel:
- Real-time Train Information System (RTIS) ensures automatic acquisition of train movement timings.
- Crew Video and Voice Recording System (CVVRS) in locomotives aids post-event analysis.
- Head on Generation (HOG) scheme implemented in passenger locomotives reduces carbon emission and fossil fuel consumption.
- Focus on High Horsepower Electric Freight Locomotives:
- Manufacturing units at Dahod and Madhepura are set up for new technology-based 9,000 High Horsepower Electric Freight Locomotives.
- 376 locomotives have been supplied from the Madhepura unit, operational since November 2023.
- Advancements in Wagon Design:
- Technical specifications for modern wagons, including multi-purpose and higher carrying capacity wagons, have been issued by RDSO to increase throughput.
- Freight Loading and Revenue Growth:
- Freight loading and revenue have shown a positive trend over the last three years, reaching 1,509.10 million tonnes and ₹1,60,158.48 crores, respectively, in 2022-2023.
- Role of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs):
- GCTs play a pivotal role in increasing the modal share of Railways in the freight segment.
- These terminals, strategically located nationwide, connect major production and consumption centers, integrating seamlessly with sea and road traffic.
With ongoing projects and a commitment to adopting advanced technologies, the Indian Railways aims to create a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation system.
This information was provided by Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, Communications, and Electronic & Information Technology, in response to a question in Lok Sabha.
