Automatic block signalling in Ernakulam-Poonkunnam corridor awaiting sanction

The system is expected to facilitate operation of more trains

Even as the proposal to lay a third track in the 107-km Ernakulam-Shoranur rail corridor is awaiting final sanction from the Railways, officials are pinning hopes on introducing automatic block signalling in the Ernakulam-Poonkunnam (in Thrissur) corridor as an interim measure to enhance the capacity of the existing double track on the stretch.

It is expected to be followed by the extension of the system to the Poonkunnam-Shoranur corridor, since track utilisation on the Ernakulam-Shoranur route is over 120% due to reliance on the conventional block signalling system, it is learnt.

It is hoped that the Railways will sanction the roll-out of automatic block signalling in the sector in the impending budget in February. The project has been awaiting approval from the Railway Board. It will help operate more than double the number of trains in the corridor, thereby lessening detention of trains, especially south of Ernakulam and north of Poonkunnam, sources said.