NFR Commissions New ABS in Aluabari–Panjipara Section

Guwahati: In a major step toward modernizing railway operations, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has successfully commissioned Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) on the Aluabari – Gaisal – Panjipara section, covering 22.9 route kilometres. This move significantly enhances operational efficiency and safety, forming part of NFR’s broader effort to develop a digital railway network. The newly signalled section includes three stations—Aluabari Road, Gaisal, and Panjipara—along with three Auto Huts and 14 Level Crossing (LC) gates. Importantly, seven existing Engineering LC gates have now been interlocked with the ABS system, bolstering safety for road-rail intersections. This commissioning marks the completion of 87.57 RKM of ABS from Ambari Falakata to Panjipara, aligning with NFR’s long-term plan to install ABS over a 702-km stretch from Old Malda to Guwahati. The Aluabari – Ambari Falakata segment (66 km) was previously completed, while other stretches are scheduled for implementation during 2025–26. The first trains to operate under the new system were the 22301 UP Howrah–New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, passing Panjipara and Gaisal, and the 20503 DN Rajdhani Express, which passed Aluabari shortly after. NFR’s commitment to technological advancement continues to drive improvements in train safety, capacity, and punctuality for passengers and freight services.