LAHORE: In a bid to ensure safe train operations, the Lahore Cantt Railway Station has finally been equipped with a computer based interlocking (CBI) signalling system, while the Lahore Railway Station will also get the same system in the next couple of months, replacing the decades-old manual point system (kanta).

Talking to Dawn on Friday, Railways (PR) Lahore Divisional Superintendent Inamullah Khan said: “The replacement of the old kanta system with the modern CBI system in Lahore division started from the Shahdara Station. Later, other stations, such as Raiwind and Okara Cantt were also equipped with this facility.”

He explained that PR teams were working to install the CBI system at other stations and they would replace the manual point system at the Lahore Railway Station too. He said the installation of the CBI system at the Cantt Station was required as a priority due to the station’s yard complexity.

Pakistan Railways has been undertaking efforts to modernise its signalling infrastructure through the introduction of the CBI system, aimed at improving train operations and enhancing safety. The system is designed to replace conventional mechanical and relay-based signalling arrangements with computer-controlled technology that manages railway signals, track points and train routes.

Under the new system, operators can control signals and track points through a computerised interface. The system checks availability of selected routes, position of track points and conflicting train movements are prevented before a train is permitted to proceed. In the event of a fault, the fail-safe design is intended to place signals in a restrictive state, helping reduce the risk of accidents caused by conflicting routes or signalling failures. After installation, testing and commissioning (ITC) of the system, it was opened for trial operations on Oct 21 at the Cantt Station. During initial trials, various trains passed safely through the newly-commissioned system.

“It is a fully automated system that sets the route, ensures safe train operations and records all operational activities related to interlocking, operators etc. It enables PR to check the on-duty operators and their activities,” the DS maintained.

Talking to Dawn, an official of the CBI system project said the system had been installed at all railway stations from Shahdara to Lahore except Lahore’s main station and the Khanewal Railway Station.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2026