South Eastern Railway has been constantly laying emphasis on modernisation of signalling system to enhance safety and capacity in train operations. Up-gradation of the signalling system is a continuous process and helps to facilitate train operations at higher speed and even in inclement weather.
- A modernised signalling system not only ensures safety in train operations but also helps to provide seamless operation.
- SER has been laying stress on modernisation and up-gradation with Electronic Interlocking, Route Relay Interlocking and Panel Interlocking works to make train operations safer and more efficient.
- Keeping in view the advantages of modern signalling system, South Eastern Railway during the year 2020-21 has commissioned/modified/replaced the following signalling systems within its jurisdiction:
- New Interlocking System has been commissioned at 26 stations viz. Rajkharswan, Bahalda Road, Joychandipahar etc.
- Old Relay Interlocking Systems have been replaced by New Interlocking Systems at 9 stations viz. Ghatsila, Amta etc.
- Mechanical Lever Frame Interlocking Systems have been replaced by Electronic Interlocking Systems at 12 stations viz. Garbeta, Talgoria, Bokaro, Lodhma etc.
- In the financial year 2021-22, SER has also planned the following signal up-gradation works to be completed:
- Route Relay Interlocking with Electronic Interlocking will be completed at Adra station.
- Panel Interlocking is targeted to be completed at Haludpukur and Aunlajhori stations.
- Electronic Interlocking Work is targeted to be completed at Bondamunda, Muradih, Domjur, Bargachia, Birarajpur and Adra Stations.
- In addition, CTC (Centralised Traffic Control) has also been planned in Howrah-Kharagpur Section for faster movement of train service.
- All these modernisation works will make this railway future ready in train operation and safety aspects.
Solar Plant on vacant land:
Meanwhile, South Eastern Railway has been taking different initiatives to promote Energy Conservation measures and laying emphasis on use of alternative sources of energy. As a part of its environment friendly measures, stress is being given on installation of Solar Plants to harness clean energy, use of LED lights to save electricity and introduction of Head on Generation (HOG) system in train operations.
- As a part of its endeavour towards clean and green energy, South Eastern Railway has been laying stress on use of Solar Power to meet its energy consumption requirements.
- To save conventional energy, SER is taking different initiatives to switch over to non conventional sources in phases.
- Till now in SER, altogether 2.306 MWp Solar Plant has been installed on the roof top of Headquarters, Garden Reach and four Divisions viz. Kharagpur, Adra, Chakradharpur and Ranchi.
- Work is also under process for installation of another 18.94 MWp capacity roof top solar plant in SER jurisdiction.
- In addition, 500 acre of vacant land along railway track as well as settlements in SER jurisdiction has been identified for installation of 201 MWp capacity of solar plant.
- Consuming Solar Energy as an alternative source of energy, SER has saved an amount of Rs. 33.6 lakh in 2019-20 and Rs. 39 lakh in the year 2020-21 from regular energy bills.
- SE Railway has also replaced conventional light fittings by energy efficient LED lights in all the 363 stations over its jurisdiction and other railway establishments.
- This has resulted in savings of 13 MU of electricity during 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Head on Generation system:
- As a part of green initiative and with a view to improve energy efficiency, SER has also introduced Head on Generation (HOG) system in train operation, whereby electrical power is fed to the coaches directly from the Over Head Equipment (OHE) through electric locomotive for functioning of Coach AC, Fan, lighting etc.
- In SE Railway till date, total 38 trains are moving on HOG system which has helped to reduce fuel cost and carbon emission.
Water and Solid Waste Management:
- As a part of environment friendly initiatives, South Eastern Railway has been adopting a number of measures for Water Management and Solid Waste Management over its jurisdiction.
- 6 Water Recycling Plants have been commissioned so far in S E Railway jurisdiction for treatment of waste water and reusing it.
- Two such Water Recycling Plants have been installed at Digha and one each at Chakradharpur, Jharsuguda, Ranchi and Hatia.
- Total 29,869 KLD Water Recycling is being done in the four Divisions of SER i.e. Kharagpur, Adra, Ranchi and Chakradharpur.
- With a view to collect rainwater for future productive use, Rain Water Harvesting System has been installed at 78 locations in four Divisions of SER.
- This has helped in proper conservation of water and optimum use of the same.
- Besides, 2 Combined Sewage Treatment Plants of capacity 5 KLD each commissioned at Digha Station are helping to recycle and reuse the waste water.
- In addition to the above, 32 Water Metres have been installed at 15 stations of Kharagpur Division to measure water flow for conservation of water.
- Along with effective Water Management, SER has also adopted Solid Waste Management initiatives as an environment friendly measure.
- As a major step in this direction, Composting Plants have been provided at 9 stations and work is in progress at 10 more stations in SER jurisdiction.
- Moreover, 583 numbers of Twin-Bin Dustbins have been provided at 16 stations as a part of effective Solid Waste Management initiative.
Source: South Eastern Railway-Press Release
