Railways looks for signalling recast post Balasore mishap
Indian Railways currently uses electro-mechanical network to manage its signalling systems. The switch from this to solid state electronic route relay devices that control signals is largely expected to be covered in three years. Railways wants to this switch to be introduced on mission mode so that almost the entire network along 8,000 stations have electronic interlocking signals with solid state relays.
Interlocking systems refer to a crucial safety mechanism used to control train movements and ensure safe operations at railway stations and junctions. It is a complex network of signals, switches, and track circuits that work together to prevent conflicting movements and collisions. Electronic interlocking (EI) employs computer-based systems and electronic equipment to control signals, switches and level-crossing gates.
It ensures all these elements are synchronized to facilitate uninterrupted train movement. Relay, on the other hand, is a device which controls the electrical circuit which operates the EI. A solid-state relay is a non-contact switch, without the risk of sparking and wiring interference as there are no mechanical elements.
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