Eastern Railway has announced the successful Commissioning of Infrastructure Development at Durgapur Junction Station.

Eastern Railway continues to focus on sustained infrastructure development to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and network capacity. As part of this ongoing modernization drive, Asansol Division has successfully commissioned Yard Remodelling and a state-of-the-art Non-Interlocking (NI) system at Durgapur Junction, marking a major milestone in strengthening railway infrastructure in the region.

The new Electronic Interlocking (EI) system, which is based on a distributed architecture, was commissioned on 23.11.2025, following the completion of intensive Non-Interlocking (NI) and Pre-NI works within a planned 6-hour complete traffic block. Despite the complexity of the project, signalling operations continued with necessary modifications, ensuring minimal disruption. The traffic block commenced at 10:40 hours, interlocking was offered at 16:35 hours, and final commissioning was completed at 16:55 hours on the same day.

As part of the infrastructure upgrade, the newly commissioned EI system now manages 266 routes, significantly enhancing routing flexibility and the overall safety of train operations. The advanced signalling arrangement includes 23 Main Signals, 39 Intermediate Shunt Signals, 13 Departure Shunt Signals, and 18 Calling-On Signals, designed to support seamless train movement across the yard. A total of 59 points have been integrated into the new layout, of which 41 are newly installed to improve operational efficiency and ensure safe train movements.

The system is further strengthened with the installation of 3 Data Loggers (1024 Digital / 512 Analog), 3 ELD units, 20 relay racks, and 1300 metres of CTRS (Continuous Track Renewal Secondary) work, ensuring robust monitoring and improved reliability. Additional infrastructure modifications include alterations at Level Crossing Gate No. 112, essential DCOP adjustments, and the shifting of 8 dual BPAC units to align with the upgraded signalling layout.

Two long-pending TSRs (Temporary Speed Restrictions) and one PSR (Permanent Speed Restriction) have been removed, resulting in increased speed limits and improved mobility.

The yard remodelling at Durgapur brings major operational improvements. The introduction of new crossovers now allows Mail/Express trains arriving from the Down Slow Line to be directly received in the Up Common Loop for locomotive reversal—removing previous movement constraints and improving handling efficiency.

To boost freight capacity, the Caution Allowed Length (CAL) of Down Loops 1, 2, and 3 has been increased from 670 metres to 731 metres, enabling the accommodation of full-length goods trains and reducing detention time. The conversion of Down Loops into Common Loops now permits direct reception of goods trains from the Up-I line, significantly reducing shunting requirements and saving operational time.

Freight movement has been further enhanced with the provision allowing goods trains bound for Durgapur Goods Shed and adjacent sidings to be received directly through the Down Main 2 Line, eliminating earlier dependence on Down Loop availability.

Coaching operations have also been strengthened with the installation of an additional shunt signal on the Up Loop Line, eliminating the earlier need for clamping during locomotive reversal and ensuring safer, quicker manoeuvres. A newly developed shunting neck on the A-end of the Up Common Loop now provides dedicated berthing space for locomotives, contributing to smoother yard management.

To support maintenance and engineering activities, a new Engineering Siding has also been commissioned, enhancing yard capacity and improving operational readiness.

Team Maverick