Vadodara: The Vadodara Division of Western Railway has completed a comprehensive signaling upgrade at Vadodara station. As part of the project, the nearly 34-year-old Siemens-manufactured Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) system was replaced with a state-of-the-art Electronic Interlocking (EI) system, which was successfully commissioned on July 1, 2026.

The implementation of the new Electronic Interlocking (EI) system has made the signaling network at Vadodara station more modern, safe, and reliable. The upgrade will enable faster route setting and signal operations, reduce train detentions, improve punctuality, and handle increasing rail traffic with greater efficiency and safety.

Crucial Work Completed Ahead of Schedule

The project was executed in phases over 70 days. Foundation work was carried out during traffic and power blocks totaling 210 hours between May 16 and June 29. A 24-hour non-interlocking operation scheduled between June 30 and July 1 was completed in just 23 hours and 55 minutes. During this period, the safe movement of 147 trains was ensured despite a traffic block of 5 hours and 46 minutes.

Yard Remodelling to Boost Train Speeds

As part of the project, the yard layout was modernized by removing a double-slip diamond crossing. This increased the permissible speed on Lines 6 and 7 from 10 km/h to 30 km/h. The yard remodelling also included the removal of 10 old points, the installation of 13 new points, the laying of 1.5 km of new track, and the commissioning of an electronic interlocking system covering 132 track sections.

Modernization of the Overhead Electrical System

Around 70 metric tonnes of new steel structures were installed, while 15 metric tonnes of old structures were dismantled. The overhead electrical wiring for the new lines was completed, including the laying of approximately 2,576 metres of new contact and catenary wire on the main line. Electrical wiring work for eight new crossovers was also completed. DeshGujarat