Central Railway Commissions Modern Route Relay Interlocking with completion of Yard Remodelling Work.

Karjat Yard Gets a Major Makeover: Central Railway Commissions Modern Route Relay Interlocking with completion of Yard Remodelling Work.

Central Railway has successfully commissioned the long-awaited Karjat Yard Remodelling and New Route Relay Interlocking (RRI) system at Karjat Central Cabin on 12th October 2025 at 18:30 hrs, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance operational efficiency.

The ₹ 74.53 crore project, replaces one of the oldest operational RRI system on Central Railway with a new make RRI, bringing safer, faster, and more reliable train operations.

Key Benefits and Improvements

New Fourth Line Between Karjat?Palasdari.

The new line separates Khopoli branch movements from the main ghat section, improving throughput, punctuality, and safety by eliminating conflicting movements. This improves the suburban movement.�

Enhanced Train Handling

Up and Down reception lines have been extended and standardized, allowing full-length goods trains to be received and dispatched on proper signals. This ensures safer, smoother train operations and saves up to 10 minutes per train.

Increased Capacity

By remodelling and extending multiple lines and adding a new bi-directional line, the yard can now handle 25% more train movements, including direct reception of freight trains from Panvel without crossing main lines.

Signalling & Telecommunication System

The new RRI features:

487 routes, 46 main signals, 39 shunt signals

Dual detection system (MSDAC + AFTC) for added safety

Automatic Block Signalling between Karjat?Bhivpuri

Efftronics Data logger for real-time monitoring

Fire alarm, fuse alarm, and advanced safety systems for reliability

This upgrade enhances signalling precision, minimizes human intervention, and ensures faster train operations.

Engineering & Electrical Works

Alongside signalling modernization, massive civil and electrical works were executed, including:

8 bridge extensions, 2 FOB extensions, and 4.9 km of new track linking

9 TKM of new OHE wiring, 350 masts erected, and complete yard electrification

A total of 20 new turnouts were inserted and 8 old turnouts dismantled, along with extensive D-switch replacements, earthwork, ballasting, and foundation strengthening.

Major Works Executed utilising the shadow of Karjat Block on 12th October 2025

While the Karjat interlocking work was underway, Central Railway effectively utilized the shadow block period for several key infrastructure upgrades across the Karjat?Lonavala ghat section:

Key works included launching of new Foot Over Bridge (FOB) girders at Khandala, replacement of old steel bridges with new PSC slab bridges near Tunnel No. 51, track welding and tamping over 3.5 km, and rehabilitation of major tunnels with steel arch ribs and shotcreting, including the landmark double-track portal construction of Tunnel No. 48. Extensive OHE maintenance and upgrades were also carried out, including replacement of insulators, X-feeder adjustments, and span realignment for new bridges and FOBs.

These extensive works have improved track strength, safety, and train handling capacity, better punctuality, and enhanced reliability for both suburban commuters and long-distance passengers, especially through the challenging ghat section.

A Step Toward Safer and Smarter Operations

The commissioning of the new RRI at Karjat marks a significant leap in railway modernization, improving operational efficiency, train punctuality, and passenger safety. The coordinated efforts of Engineering, S&T, and Electrical departments ensured seamless completion of this complex project within the scheduled block.