TRAINS WILL NO LONGER BE SLOWED DOWN

TRAINS WILL NO LONGER BE SLOWED DOWN

17-SEP-ENG 22

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------East Central Railway has taken a major step to improve train punctuality on the busy 255-km stretch from DDU (Dindayal Upadhyay Junction) to Bakhtiyarpur via Patna. An Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) system will be installed on this section. The Railways has issued a tender for this project, costing ₹292 crore. The work is expected to be completed in approximately two years. This system will be installed on both the up and down main lines.

Currently, there is an absolute block signaling system in place, where a train is cleared only after another train has passed the next station. This causes frequent delays. With the new technology, signals will be installed at intervals of 500 meters to 1 km. As soon as a train crosses the station yard, another train will be able to run in the same block section. This will reduce the need for passenger trains to wait for hours, and will also make it easier for express trains to reach their destinations on time.

Danapur Division ADRM (Operations) Aadhar Raj stated that the ABS system will not only improve the punctuality of existing trains but also increase the possibility of new trains operating.

The platforms at Buxar and Danapur stations, along with Ara Junction, will now be made ballast-free. The Railways have issued tenders for this. Making platforms 1, 2, and 3 at Ara, as well as Buxar's lines 1, 4, and 5, and Danapur's lines 1, 1A, and 4 ballast-free will cost approximately ₹30 lakh. This work will be completed in three to four months.

Removing ballast will reduce maintenance hassles and increase the loop line speed, which is currently 30 km per hour. Following the example of larger stations, Ara Junction will now offer passengers more modern and safe facilities.

These improvements by the Railways will not only increase the punctuality of trains but will also provide a cleaner and better experience to the passengers.