Bhopal, May 11 – In a significant stride toward modernising railway operations, the West Central Railway's (WCR) Bhopal division has implemented an advanced signal control technology powered entirely by optical fibre at the Nishatpura yard, replacing the traditional multi-wire system.
First-of-its-Kind in Indian Railways
This pioneering initiative, described as a “first-of-its-kind” by officials, marks a transformative shift in how railway signals are managed. Naval Agrawal, Public Relations Officer of WCR's Bhopal division, said, "This cutting-edge technology will play a key role in making Indian Railways safer and more technologically advanced in the coming years."Commissioned at Nishatpura, Set for Wider Rollout
According to Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Saurabh Kataria, the system has already been commissioned at two signal posts in the Nishatpura yard. A phased rollout is currently underway on the Bhopal-Bina section, with plans to complete the upgrade across the entire route by June 2026.Optical Fibre Replaces Conventional Wiring
Traditionally, Indian Railways has relied on multi-wire systems for signal control, which were susceptible to delays and technical issues. The newly adopted system uses optical fibre cables, offering faster, more secure, and highly reliable signal transmission.The central component of the system is the Lamp Output Module (LOM), a device that transmits commands from the control room directly to the signal posts via fibre optics, eliminating the need for bulky wiring.
Enhanced Safety and Reliability
Agrawal emphasised that this technology ensures seamless signal visibility, even in the event of equipment failure. “Signals cannot go blank under this system. If one component fails, the signal remains visible, which enhances safety and punctuality,” he stated.The system also includes built-in automatic cooling fans to prevent overheating of equipment and features backup fibre lines that activate instantly in case of primary line failure, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Cost-Effective and Maintenance-Friendly
Beyond safety, the optical fibre system is cost-effective and simplifies maintenance. With fewer physical components and a streamlined setup, it reduces both operational complexity and long-term costs.This upgrade represents a major leap in Indian Railways' ongoing mission to modernise infrastructure and improve passenger safety through technology.