East Coast Railways Commissions Automatic Signalling on Cuttack–Paradeep Route
New system to boost safety, efficiency, and freight movement to Paradeep Port
Bhubaneswar: The East Coast Railways (ECoR) has achieved a major milestone by commissioning a state-of-the-art Automatic Signalling System on the Cuttack–Paradeep section (83 km) of the Talcher–Paradeep Freight Corridor under the Khurda Road Division. The project marks a significant step in the modernization of railway infrastructure along this critical route, which connects Paradeep Port with industrial and freight hubs across Odisha.
The newly commissioned system is designed to maximize line capacity while ensuring smoother train operations. With reduced headway between trains, more services can be run within a shorter time frame. This will not only help manage the increasing demand for freight transport but also benefit passenger trains operating on the section.
By enabling faster and more frequent train movement, the system is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to Paradeep Port, a key driver of Odisha’s industrial economy.
One of the most important features of the Automatic Signalling System is its focus on safety. By minimizing human dependency and relying on automated operations, the risk of human error is drastically reduced. This ensures safer conditions for both passengers and freight operators.
The system has been integrated with 19 Level Crossing Gates, all of which are now fully interlocked with the signalling system. This integration eliminates potential conflicts between road and rail traffic, providing a safer environment for commuters and railway staff alike. Importantly, all non-interlocked gates have been removed, further enhancing operational safety.
The system supports real-time monitoring and automatic controls, which are crucial for maintaining punctual train schedules. Video Display Units have been installed at all stations along the section, enabling controllers to supervise train movements in real time.
The use of advanced technology such as dataloggers allows for comprehensive monitoring of events, ensuring that any operational anomalies can be swiftly detected and corrected. This will translate into better asset utilization, more reliable services, and improved punctuality for both passenger and freight trains.
Several advanced features make this Automatic Signalling System one of the most modern in the country. These include:
* Dual multi-section digital axle counters for accurate train detection
* Integrated power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations
* LED signal lamps for clear visibility in all weather conditions
* Dataloggers for event recording and monitoring
* Video Display Units at stations for real-time train supervision
Additionally, the Cuttack–Paradeep section has been divided into multiple UP and DOWN subsections. This allows trains to be handled more efficiently and increases the overall capacity of the line.
The modernization of the Cuttack–Paradeep section is expected to have a significant impact on regional development. Faster and more reliable freight movement to and from Paradeep Port will accelerate industrial activity, reduce logistics costs, and contribute to Odisha’s economic progress.
Paradeep Port serves as a vital gateway for coal, iron ore, steel, fertilizers, and other commodities. By improving the efficiency of cargo transportation, the Automatic Signalling System will strengthen Odisha’s position as a key hub for trade and industry.
With this achievement, ECoR has reinforced its commitment to modernizing railway infrastructure in Odisha. The commissioning of the Automatic Signalling System ensures that the Cuttack–Paradeep section is equipped to meet rising demand for both passenger and freight traffic.
Safer, faster, and more efficient operations are now a reality on this crucial corridor, setting the stage for long-term economic and industrial growth across the region.
