vijayawada : In yet another major development and advanced infrastructural upgrade, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway has commissioned advanced Automatic Block Signalling System for a stretch of 14.82 Km between Nidadavolu and Kovvur stations. This commissioning aims to enhance safety and efficiency along the Divisional Railway network. It took as total of Rs.21.83 Crore investment with 9 months to execute and materialize this ambitious project in the most congested section of Nidadavolu–Kovvur section. The project was executed by Gati Shakti Unit of Vijayawada Division.
Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system in Indian Railways is a method of railway signalling that divides a railway line into successive track sections or blocks. The system controls the movement of trains between these blocks using automatic signals. ABS operation allows trains to operate automatically, enhancing safety and sectional capacity. It helps to accommodate more trains in a section thus reducing the detention of trains and swift movement of rail traffic than regular Intermediate Block or Absolute Block Signalling System working.
With this commissioning, a total length of 37.7 km stretch is equipped with Automatic Block Signaling System across Vijayawada Division. Other stretches commissioned in Vijayawada Division are between Vijayawada–Gannavaram and Vijayawada–Krishna Canal Junction. Automatic block signaling works are in progress at other important sections with heavy congestion. The Nidadavolu–Kovvur Section is a vital part of the railway network, serving both passenger and freight traffic. The ABS system will contribute significantly to the smooth and safe movement of trains in this area.
A total of 20 Automatic Signals are set up between Nidadavolu–Kovvur Section. Total two ABS huts in the midsection and one ABS equipment hut at station (Chagallu) is constructed with pre-stressed precast technology for housing the ABS equipment. Level Crossing Gate No.387 was also interlocked during the process.
Shri Narendra A Patil, Divisional Railway Manager, Vijayawada Division, SCR commended the Gati Shakti Team including Shri Ch. P R Vital, Chief Project Manager; Shri R Viswanath Reddy, Dy.CSTE; Shri Ramesh Kamulla, DSTE for commissioning the Automatic Block Signalling System in the most congested section of Nidadavolu–Kovvur Section of Vijayawada Division. DRM also stated that the ABS system utilizes advanced technology to ensure precise and reliable train control, reducing the risk of accidents and thereby improving the overall operational performance. SCR BZA PR No.24_ dated 30.04.2024_ Comissioning of Automatic Block System at Nidadavolu-Kovvur Section.
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Nusrat M Mandrupkar, Public Relations Officer, Vijayawada Division, South Central Railway