Automatic Signalling for KSR Bengaluru City to Yelahanka Rail Section

In a significant development for commuters, South Western Railway (SWR) has launched a project to implement automatic signalling in Bengaluru city between Krantivira Sangolli Rayanna Bengaluru City Junction (KSR Bengaluru), Yesvantpur Junction, and Yelahanka Junction. This project falls under the Bengaluru Division, aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency along this crucial railway corridor.

Estimated Project Cost– INR 17.51 Crores

Completion Period– 365 days

The stations encompassed under the upgrade include Malleshwaram, Yesvantpur Junction, YPR-Bye Pass Cabin, Lotte Gollahalli, and Kodigehalli (H).

Broad scope of work 

The comprehensive scope of this project includes:

Provision of Automatic Signals: Installing state-of-the-art automatic signals along the SBC-YPR-LOGH-YNK section of the Bengaluru Division.

Dual Multi-Section Digital Axle Counters (MSDAC): Ensuring track sections have redundancy and resilience through the provision of dual multi-section digital axle counters.

Electronic Interlocking Alterations: Improving electronic interlocking systems at key stations like SBC, YPR Bypass, and YNK.

Converting Centralized Electronic Interlocking at YNK station to Distributed Electronic Interlocking.

Fire Alarm and Detection System (FADS): Implementing a modern Fire Alarm and Detection System network, with integration into the S&T Control for improved safety.

Video Surveillance System (VSS): Enhancing security and monitoring capabilities using Video Surveillance System and Network Management System (NMS).

Trenching and Cable Laying: Infrastructure enhancements include trenching, road cuttings, track crossings through horizontal boring, and laying of signaling and power cables. Along with the installation of level crossing gates.

25KV RE Standards: Adherence to 25KV RE standards to ensure safety and compatibility with modern rail systems.

Documentation and Coordination: This project involves meticulous documentation, designing, and completion documents for signaling drawings. Involving coordination with various agencies, including the Signal & Telecom (S&T) and Civil Engineering departments.

Equipments to be deployed 

1. DPs (MSDAC):
   • Total Number: 100 (in 50 sets)
   • Description: A Multi-Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) is an electronic device employed in railway signaling and train detection. Its purpose is to precisely count the axles of passing trains and ascertain their travel direction. This information is crucial for railway safety and traffic management.
2. Semi-Automatic Signals:
   • Total Number: 13
   • Description: Signaling devices that require some manual intervention or control used in a railway or traffic management system.
3. Automatic Signals:
   • Total Number: 12
   • Description: Fully automated signaling devices used in railways.
4. Auto Goomties :
   • Total Number: 3
   • Description: An Auto Goomty (AG) (Relay hut) , works as RBG room for controlling UP and DOWN Auto signals.

What is Automatic Signalling? 

Automatic Signalling is a train control system that regulates train movements through the automatic activation of stop signals when trains enter, pass through, or exit designated track sections.

Here are the key elements of an Automatic Block System:

• Track Circuits or Axle Counters: Track circuits or axle counters are installed along the track length. These devices divide the track into multiple automatic signalling sections, each governed by an Automatic Stop Signal.
• Automatic Stop Signals: The movement of trains is controlled by stop signals, which are operated automatically by the passage of train past the signals. 
• Clear Line Requirement: An Automatic Signal does not switch to the ‘OFF’ position (indicating a clear track) unless the track is clear not only up to the stop signal but also for a sufficient distance beyond it.

Advantages of Automatic Signalling

The implementation of Automatic Signalling offers several advantages:

Increased Line Capacity: This system enhances the railway’s ability to accommodate more trains on the same track without the need for additional station construction and maintenance.

Reduced Human Dependency: With the automatic operation of signals, there is less reliance on human intervention for train control.

Fully installing Automatic Signaling in Bengaluru city would enhance railway operations and safety.

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