West Central Railway’s Bhopal Division has begun operating a fibre-optic-based signal system at the strategically significant Nishatpura yard.
This technological shift marks a critical move away from conventional wiring and towards a future-ready, high-efficiency signalling network that promises greater reliability and safety across India’s busy rail corridors. The installation of this cutting-edge system on two signal posts at the yard is being hailed as a milestone in railway modernisation. Unlike traditional copper wiring systems, which are more susceptible to weather damage and interference, the newly introduced optical fibre infrastructure offers real-time command transmission between the central control room and trackside signals. This results in a faster, more secure, and uninterrupted flow of communication, especially vital for handling high-frequency rail traffic in industrial and passenger-heavy sectors like Bhopal.
At the heart of this upgrade lies the ‘Lamp Output Module’ (LOM), a smart interface that directly transmits digital commands from the operations control to the signal posts through fibre lines. One of the standout safety features of the system is its built-in redundancy. Even in the event of a component breakdown or disruption in the main line, an auxiliary line takes over instantly ensuring that critical visual signals remain uninterrupted for approaching trains. The system is further enhanced by an automatic temperature control mechanism. An in-built cooling fan activates only when needed, protecting sensitive components from overheating and extending equipment life. This approach not only improves operational resilience but also minimises maintenance costs and downtime.
With climate resilience and automation increasingly shaping transport policies, such digital advancements represent more than just modernisation they are part of India’s blueprint for a climate-smart, inclusive, and technologically integrated public mobility system. As Indian Railways shifts gear towards carbon neutrality and system-wide reforms, the Nishatpura yard could well serve as a model for other divisions across the nation.l strides, the shift to optical fibre has long-term environmental and economic implications. Fibre infrastructure reduces the use of resource-intensive materials like copper and simplifies long-distance signal management, contributing to energy efficiency. For a country like India, where railway electrification and automation are key pillars of net-zero carbon ambitions, fibre-based signal control systems mark a critical transition point in green infrastructure. The railway division is now preparing for a broader rollout of this innovation along the Bhopal–Bina corridor. The phased deployment is targeted for completion by June 2026 and is expected to elevate overall signalling efficiency across the route, improve passenger safety, and optimise freight movement through the heart of Madhya Pradesh.
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