Eastern Railway carried out a 7-hour Mega Block on May 10, 2026 in the Asansol – Jhajha section for infrastructure upgradation, maintenance and safety enhancement works involving Engineering, Signal, Telecom and TRD (Traction Distribution) departments.
The block was utilized efficiently for launching of precast boxes and base slabs at Limited Height Subway-8 (LHS) and Limited Height Subway -17 (LHS) along with several critical maintenance and renewal activities aimed at strengthening operational safety, reliability and system performance. During the Mega Block, major engineering works included launching of 12 precast boxes and 11 base slabs each at LHS-8 and LHS-17. A total workforce of 965 personnel was deployed for smooth execution of the activities.
ER’s Engineering Department carried out extensive track and infrastructure maintenance works including 7000 TM destressing, 1000 TM TFR, 6000 TM ERC greasing, 32 SKV weldings, 170 TM rail renewal, 6 sets UNIMAT work, 6200 TM CSM work and 7870 TM DTE work. Important shadow block activities included renewal of 1 in 8.5 single slip diamond crossing from 52 Kg to 60 Kg, renewal of two sets of switches, replacement of built-up crossing, TWSEJ works, glued joint replacement and slab launching activities.
ER’s Signal Department completed several important maintenance and restoration activities across major stations including Jamtara, Asansol/RRI, Salanpur, Ghorparan, Chittaranjan and Sitarampur/EOC. Key works included point machine maintenance, EKT (Electrical Key Transmitter) maintenance, DLBI (Double Line Block Instrument) maintenance, ground connection replacement and preventive maintenance of signalling circuits. All signalling systems were restored successfully within the permitted block period without any operational disruption.
ER’s Telecom Department executed extensive preventive maintenance and testing activities to improve communication reliability and BPAC (Block Proving by Axle Counter) systems. Important works included Public Address system dressing, OFC hut maintenance, cable testing, BPAC circuit testing, modem shifting and restoration works at stations and gate locations including Jamtara, Rupnarayanpur, Salanpur, Mathurapur and Nawapatra. All telecom systems were tested and restored successfully within the scheduled block duration.
ER’s TRD Department carried out major OHE (Over Head Equipment) maintenance and strengthening works at LHS-8 and LHS-17. Activities included OHE slewing and restoration, replacement of feeder jumper wires, catenary splice works, cantilever assembly replacement, insulator replacement, ATJ (Anti-Telescopic Jumper) checking, gantry maintenance and isolator upgradation from 800 Ampere to 1600 Ampere. Breakdown attention work was also attended promptly in Rohini station area after damage.
The Mega Block was completed safely, efficiently and within the scheduled duration and is expected to significantly improve track condition, signalling reliability, telecom communication efficiency and overall operational safety across the section.
