SCoR commissions automatic block signalling on Guntakal–Raichur corridor

South Coast Railway (SCoR) on Saturday (October 17, 2026) commissioned Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) along the 28.112‑route‑kilometre (56.224‑track‑kilometre) double‑line stretch between Adoni and Kosgi, boosting operational efficiency and route capacity along one of its busiest freight and passenger trunk lines.

With the completion of this stretch—comprising Adoni–Isivi (6.64 km), Isivi–Kuppagal (7.79 km), and Kuppagal–Kosgi (13.68 km) in the Guntakal Division—the entire high-density Guntakal–Raichur corridor has now been fully converted to automated signalling operations. The overall project, executed at an estimated cost of ₹500 crore, brings the zone’s cumulative ABS coverage to 105 route kilometres.

The transition from conventional absolute block signalling to automatic block signalling allows multiple trains to travel in the same direction within a single block section at controlled intervals. By dividing the section into smaller automated sub-blocks, the system eliminates the need for manual station-to-station line clearances, drastically reducing headway between consecutive trains.

Railway officials noted that the continuous automated monitoring will eliminate bottleneck delays and enable the zone to run additional passenger and freight services along the crucial interstate corridor connecting Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

To ensure seamless operational security, the newly commissioned section has been upgraded with state-of-the-art Fail-Safe Signalling technology. A total of 38 new mainline signals, 24 station semi-automatic signals, and 5 dedicated ABS huts have been operationalised across the three intermediate sections, a press release said.

The installation features advanced Frauscher-make Dual Multi-Section Digital Axle Counters (Dual MSDAC) across 178 detection points. Furthermore, the signalling architecture is reinforced with 16 sets of Universal Fail-Safe Block Interfaces (UFSBI) alongside non-vital multiplexers to maintain high system availability and fault isolation.

To maintain round-the-clock integrity, five Integrated Power Supply (IPS) units have been installed to provide uninterrupted power backup, alongside five advanced data loggers for real-time asset monitoring and diagnostic health reporting, the release added.

Speaking to The Hindu, Sandeep Mathur, General Manager of South Coast Railway, highlighted the strategic importance of the automated network upgrade in handling growing traffic demands.

“The complete automation of the Guntakal–Raichur section is a pivotal milestone in our strategy to expand line capacity and strengthen operational safety. By significantly reducing train headway without compromising fail-safe protocols, this infrastructure will allow us to optimise freight movement and improve punctuality across the region,” Mathur said, praising the field engineers of the Signal & Telecommunication and Projects wings for executing the commissioning seamlessly without disruption to scheduled train movements.