Eastern Railway has successfully commissioned the Electronic Interlocking (EI) system signalling system at Panagarh Station on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 5:25 PM by the Signal and Telecommunication (Open line) department.
An Electronic Interlocking system acts as a digital brain for the railway station, using computer microprocessors to manage the movement of trains, tracks, and signals safely. By replacing the old mechanical systems, this new setup eliminates human error, ensures that trains cannot be given conflicting routes, and dramatically speeds up operations.
Along with the digital system, two critical Level Crossing Gates (Gate No. 102/SPL/T and Gate No. 103/SPL/T) have been upgraded from heavy, hand-cranked Mechanical Lifting Barriers to modern, effortless Electrical Lifting Barriers. Another nearby level crossing, Gate No. 104/C/T, has been permanently removed to further streamline both train and road traffic.
Trains can now be brought directly into the station layout while keeping the road gates open for a longer duration. Besides, Panagarh is a vital hub for military movements and heavy industries like Matix Fertilizers and NuVistas Corporation Limited.
The new system creates flexible Common Loops, allowing trains to move smoothly in either direction. This saves a massive three hours per train movement, eases congestion on the heavily saturated Khana–Andal section, and allows military special trains to be dispatched without delay.
This technological overhaul spreads across three vital control rooms, namely the Central Cabin, East Hut, and West Hut. The upgraded network features a total of 147 safe train routes and 62 high-tech signals, including main signals, shunt signals, and emergency calling-on signals to guide loco pilots.
EI installation details
To track train positions automatically, the team installed 143 Multi-Section Digital Axle Counter Detection Points manufactured by Frauscher across 106 track sections, which act as smart sensors to ensure a track is completely clear before another train enters. Additionally, 24 track points are now operated by 42 modern point machines to seamlessly shift tracks.
The entire layout is protected by advanced safety features, including three Integrated Power Supplies, three Earth Leakage Detectors to prevent electrical failures, digital Data loggers to record operational data, and three automated Fire Alarm Systems. The layout also includes successful modifications for Automatic Train Protection system, Kavach, to prevent train collisions.
