New Delhi, June 20: Railways have embarked upon a massive overhauling of signalling and telecommunications system for safety of the trains. The latest technologies adopted by railways in signalling and telecommunication segment are providing "excellent and economical" solutions for improved and safe train operations, as well as better customer care, an official release said here today.

It said colour signalling, centralised operation of points and signals, automatic block signalling and route relay inter-locking are also being introduced in the sector.

Replacement of overhead wire communication with underground cables and optical fibre cables, provision of microwave systems and installation of railways' own telephone exchange are some of the important steps initiated, it said.

Signalling and telecommunication system play a vital role in safe operation of trains and information dissemination for railway passengers, it said adding that in today's scenario of acute resource crunch, increasing utilisation and output of the existing infrastructure by adoption of newer, workable and reliable technologies is the key to success for Indian Railways.

Bureau Report