No more delays at CSMT: Central Railway services set to operate on schedule with new signalling system – Times of India
MUMBAI: For the first time since the new signalling system was commissioned on June 1, Central Railway (CR) services are anticipated to operate according to the schedule after authorities were permitted to modify the software to ensure trains enter and depart CSMT station without delay.
CR has sought approval from the Railway Board to address significant delays caused by a circular following the recent implementation of the Electronic Interlocking (EI) system at CSMT.
The EI system, a state-of-the-art signalling system, enhances safety and efficiency in train operations by replacing Route Relay interlocking systems with computerised control.
Delays in train services at CSMT were attributed to a railway board circular issued in 2021, by the signal and telecom directorate.
This circular mandates trains to travel an additional 250 metres before the subsequent train can proceed. Previously, trains could move once the preceding train cleared just 70 metres from the crossover point. However, this new requirement, in addition to the original 70 metres, takes approximately 90 seconds, leading to delays for roughly 50 long-distance and 40 local trains daily at CSMT.
This additional safety measure, combined with the existing speed limit of 15 km/hr at crossovers, causes bunching and delays.
The impact extended to local train services as long-distance and suburban trains share the same tracks, resulting in cascading delays.
CR authorities had requested relaxation of these norms for CSMT, emphasizing its status as a terminating station with low speeds and infrequent accident occurrences.
CR’s chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila stated, “After the railway board’s approval, we have made changes in the software so that clearance to the following train will be given as soon as the existing train crosses the 70m instead of the previous 250m.”
CR was compelled to cancel at least a dozen trains until Sunday to maintain punctuality.
Another CR official said that trains won’t be delayed for this reason at least. Although, the delay may be due to other factors like signal, OHE, or track-related failures or the late arrival of long-distance trains in suburban territory, he added.
CR has sought approval from the Railway Board to address significant delays caused by a circular following the recent implementation of the Electronic Interlocking (EI) system at CSMT.
The EI system, a state-of-the-art signalling system, enhances safety and efficiency in train operations by replacing Route Relay interlocking systems with computerised control.
Delays in train services at CSMT were attributed to a railway board circular issued in 2021, by the signal and telecom directorate.
This circular mandates trains to travel an additional 250 metres before the subsequent train can proceed. Previously, trains could move once the preceding train cleared just 70 metres from the crossover point. However, this new requirement, in addition to the original 70 metres, takes approximately 90 seconds, leading to delays for roughly 50 long-distance and 40 local trains daily at CSMT.
This additional safety measure, combined with the existing speed limit of 15 km/hr at crossovers, causes bunching and delays.
The impact extended to local train services as long-distance and suburban trains share the same tracks, resulting in cascading delays.
CR authorities had requested relaxation of these norms for CSMT, emphasizing its status as a terminating station with low speeds and infrequent accident occurrences.
CR’s chief public relations officer Swapnil Nila stated, “After the railway board’s approval, we have made changes in the software so that clearance to the following train will be given as soon as the existing train crosses the 70m instead of the previous 250m.”
CR was compelled to cancel at least a dozen trains until Sunday to maintain punctuality.
Another CR official said that trains won’t be delayed for this reason at least. Although, the delay may be due to other factors like signal, OHE, or track-related failures or the late arrival of long-distance trains in suburban territory, he added.
