Work is underway to raise the maximum speed of trains to 160 kmph on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah rail corridors, with the Railways simultaneously strengthening safety systems through the installation of the indigenous train protection system, Kavach.
To support higher speeds and safer operations, the Railway Ministry has approved Rs 421.41 crore for the installation of modern signalling infrastructure, including electronic interlocking systems, at key stations. Of this, Rs 292.24 crore has been sanctioned for 21 stations in the Delhi Division, while Rs 129.17 crore will be spent on upgrading 13 stations in the Ambala Division.
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Several major stations in the Delhi Division, such as New Delhi, Old Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin, already have electronic interlocking in place. However, many stations on routes identified for Kavach deployment are still operating with conventional mechanical signalling. The conversion of these stations to electronic interlocking systems has now begun.
The Delhi-Mumbai route from New Delhi to Palwal falls under the Delhi Division. Railway officials said Kavach has already been installed on the Tughlakabad-Palwal section, while work is currently in progress between Tughlakabad and Tilak Bridge. Similar upgrades are planned on the Delhi-Ghaziabad section, with electronic interlocking systems to be installed at all stations along both corridors.
Officials explained that electronic interlocking relies on computer-based controls for signalling, unlike mechanical systems, and significantly reduces the scope for human error. The upgrades are expected to play a key role in enabling faster, safer and more efficient train operations on some of the country’s busiest rail routes.