To end disruption of train services because of waterlogging at the Kurla station, the Central Railway (CR) has replaced the 29-year-old route relay interlocking system (RRI) at the suburban station
To end disruption of train services because of waterlogging at the Kurla station, the Central Railway (CR) has replaced the 29-year-old route relay interlocking system (RRI) at the suburban station, which controls the signalling system and points that are vital for train movements. This RRI at Kurla was one of the biggest in Asia at one point in time.
In the control room, the new RRI shows the real-time train movement on the electronic board, which faces multiple tracks right in front of it
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CR officials claim that every year, the Kurla station gets submerged and when this happens, the suburban train network collapses. This is when the signals and points malfunction or stop functioning. But, new changes made in the technology would work in rough weather as well. “Even if the waterlogging is not much, the signalling system used to draw a blank. Even the points used for crossing tracks used to malfunction,” said a CR official.
The equipment was placed on June 13. Digital axle counters — which ensure that signals don’t get corrupt when tracks are submerged — were also placed at Kurla. “The overall reliability of signalling will improve,” said Narendra Patil, chief PRO, CR.
Waterlogging at Kurla affects main (CST-Kalyan) and Harbour (CST-Panvel) sections.
In the control room
At the control room, the new RRI shows real-time train movement on the electronic board. There is a huge network on display showcasing the main and Harbour lines. In the other room are cables and wires, which control the signalling and points system.
Sources said with every RRI command, these cabinets of cables send commands within 6 seconds. Based on these, the train movements are decided. However, sources said the new system could have problems with punctuality as they will have to maintain a time limit of 2 minutes before each train enters the platforms.
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