Guwahati: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully commissioned a modern Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system in the Panjipara–Kishanganj–Hatwar–Kanki–Surjakamal section under the Katihar Division in West Bengal, aiming to improve railway safety, punctuality, and line capacity. According to NFR officials, the newly commissioned ABS section stretches across nearly 30 kilometres and covers five stations, including three Electronic Interlocking (EI) stations and two Panel Interlocking (PI) stations. Four Auto Signal huts have also been installed as part of the project to strengthen signalling efficiency and operational safety. The section includes 14 level crossing gates, of which six have been newly interlocked with the automatic signalling system to ensure safer and smoother train operations. Additionally, 196 Multi Section Digital Axle Counter (MSDAC) detection points and 40 new automatic signals have been installed.
Also Read: Man-elephant conflict triggers in Nagaon, Hojai and Karbi Anglong district
Railway authorities stated that the introduction of Automatic Block Signalling will significantly improve train movement efficiency and enhance operational reliability in this important rail corridor. NFR has been carrying out extensive signalling and safety modernisation works across its network in recent years. During 2025-26, the zone installed 24 interlocked level crossing gates, replaced five Panel Interlocking systems with Electronic Interlocking, commissioned 22.29 Route Kilometres of Automatic Block Signalling, and installed 25 sliding booms at interlocked level crossing gates. Officials said the upgraded signalling system is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening railway safety standards and increasing traffic handling capacity. The railway zone also plans to extend the Automatic Block Signalling system further up to Guwahati in the future.
