The Automatic Block Signalling in the Aluabari–Gaisal–Panjipara section covering 22.9 route kilometres was commissioned by the Northeast Frontier Railway on July 21. (Photo Courtesy: CPRO NFR)
Maligaon, July 22 (MExN): In a move towards modernising its railway infrastructure, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully commissioned Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) in the Aluabari–Gaisal–Panjipara section covering 22.9 route kilometres.
According to an official release, the ABS system was commissioned on July 21 and marks a significant step in enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
The section includes three stations - Aluabari Road, Gaisal, and Panjipara along with three Auto Huts and 14 Level Crossing (LC) gates.
Further, seven existing Engineering LC gates have been interlocked with the new automatic signals to improve safety at crossings.
With this development, NFR has completed 87.57 route kilometres of ABS coverage from Ambari Falakata to Panjipara, the release informed, adding that the the move is part of NFR’s ongoing efforts to upgrade signalling systems with the goal of reducing headway, improving line capacity, and ensuring safer train operations.
The ABS work is part of a broader sanctioned project covering 702 km from Old Malda to Guwahati.
Earlier, the 66-km Aluabari–Ambari Falakata stretch had been completed while additional sections covering Panjipara to Old Malda, Ambari Falakata to Jalpaiguri, and New Coochbehar to Jorai, are scheduled for implementation during 2025-26.
Remaining sections are under active execution and are expected to be completed in phases, the NFR said.
Following the commissioning, the first train to operate on the newly signalled section was the 22301 UP Howrah–New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, which crossed Panjipara at 1:40 PM and Gaisal at 13:53 PM. It was followed by the 20503 DN Rajdhani Express 2:05 PM at Aluabari.
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