IBS system to boost Channasandra-Yelahanka railway line capacity

Easing the operation of trains on the Channasandra-Yelahanka section, the railways is set to commission the Intermediate Block Signalling (IBS), which will double the capacity of the line for many trains connecting the state with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and even Maharashtra.

The work, sanctioned over two years ago, was completed recently and officials said the IBS will be commissioned by the end of the month.

“It will boost the line capacity. In normal circumstances, we can send a train on the line only after receiving confirmation of the previous train’s departure from the next station. IBS will eliminate that necessity, allowing us to run more trains safely,” Bengaluru Divisional Railway Manager Ashok Kumar Verma told DH.

To a question on the possibility of installing either IBS or automatic signalling on the Bengaluru-Tumakuru section, the DRM said there was no such proposal on the cards.

“For Tumakuru, we are looking forward to completing the electrification works. Signalling projects on the line can be taken up when we see a high amount of traffic, which is not the case now,” he said.

Urban transport activist Sanjeev Dyamannavar said the IBS was a cost-effective method to introduce more trains with limited track infrastructure.

“The Tumakuru line is important since it is the route of several trains connecting many parts of the state. Implementing IBS on the route will help officials ensure smooth operations and also introduce additional trains to cater to the growing needs of the public."

Two automatic signalling projects

Officials at the Bengaluru Division of the South Western Railways said work was on to send detailed estimates for two automatic signalling projects on the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Station-Kengeri and Yeshwantpur-Yelahanka sections.

“We have got initial clearance. Work can be taken up once the detailed estimates are approved,” a senior official said.