What happened
Indian Railways approved the provision of Electronic Interlocking (EI) at 21 stations of Samastipur Division of East Central Railway (ECR) at a total cost of ₹233 crore.
The approved work involves replacement of existing Panel Interlocking with Electronic Interlocking at these 21 stations.
Indian Railways stated that the modern signalling system will strengthen railway signalling infrastructure across the division and facilitate implementation of Kavach, the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system.
Background and earlier position
Railway signalling relies on interlocking systems that control how signals and points (switches) work together, reducing the risk of unsafe train movements.
Related current affairs
- Indian Railways sanctions ₹432 crore electronic interlocking project on Eastern Railway’s HDN/HUN routes
- Strengthening railway signalling in Jammu & Kashmir and across India; deployment of electronic interlocking, track circuiting, axle counters and Kavach (ATP)
- Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves four multi-tracking rail projects across four states
- Indian Railways approves Kavach Version 4.0 rollout on 660 km in Izzatnagar Division (estimated ₹295 crore)
- Final Location Surveys sanctioned for new rail connectivity projects in Jammu & Kashmir (Jalandhar Cantt–Jammu Tawi, Jammu–Katra additional line, Jammu/Reasi–Poonch new line)
- Kavach Automatic Train Protection: indigenously developed ATP system expanded; Version 4.0 commissioned on 2,633 route km as of 31.07.2026