Railways approves ABS system for Erode-Podanur stretch

CHENNAI: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the installation of an Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) system on the 107-km stretch between Erode and Podanur in the Salem division of Southern Railway.

Currently, the ABS system is operational only in the heavily congested 199-km Chennai-Jolarpettai section. The ABS system is critical for easing congestion on high-density routes, as it reduces distance between two trains running in the same direction by automatically blocking sections of the track and ensuring safe intervals. Additionally, if a loco pilot passes a danger signal, the system cuts off power and brings the train to a halt, further strengthening safety.