10 May,2026 11:27 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Central Railway installs SILAS unit in driving cab. (Pic/Special arrangement)
In a major safety initiative aimed at enhancing suburban train operations, Central Railway on Sunday, May 10, announced that they have upgraded the Signal Location Announcement System (SILAS) in all Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trains operating on the Mumbai suburban network.
As per the official statement from the Central Railway, the upgraded GPS-based system is being installed in the driving cabs of EMU trains to assist motormen with error-free train operations. The move by the authorities also aims at reducing the possibility of human error on one of the world's busiest suburban rail networks.
Mumbai's suburban railway operates over 2,300 train services daily using an automatic signalling system, with most signals positioned just 400 to 500 metres apart.
Officials asserted that around 400 signals are placed on the right-hand side, extreme right, left-hand side, or extreme left, creating intense operational pressure for motormen who perform single-handed driving duties.
SILAS acts as an electronic co-pilot by announcing the signal number and its exact position - left, extreme left, right, or extreme right - based on the train's live GPS location.
Under the upgraded system, audio alerts are issued 350 metres and 250 metres before a signal. If a train passes a yellow signal, the system repeatedly announces, "Be careful, the next signal is red," until the next green or double-yellow signal is encountered.
Central Railway, while issuing an official statement, further highlighted that the system has pre-loaded GPS coordinates, signal locations, and route-specific audio recordings. Before starting a trip, the train manager selects the relevant route, such as the UP Local, Down Local, UP Through, or Down Through line.
Additionally, SILAS is being enhanced with a station halt announcement feature that will notify loco-pilots 500 metres and 250 metres before reaching the next halt station. This feature is currently under trial and may be modified based on feedback.
Apart from assisting motormen, the system also enables real-time train tracking and speed monitoring, allowing railway authorities to analyse driving behaviour at critical points such as yellow signals, platform entry zones, permanent speed restrictions (PSRs), and neutral sections for counselling and safety improvement.
The officials further said that the upgrade is expected to significantly reduce motormen's stress and ensure that no signal is missed, marking a key step towards achieving the railway's "Zero SPAD" (Signal Passed at Danger) objective in suburban operations.
