Jammu, July 27: In a significant leap towards modernization and operational safety, the Jammu Division of Northern Railways has installed its first Direct Unlocking System at Dinanagar railway station. This state-of-the-art system marks a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency, precision, and safety of railway operations in the region.
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Jammu, Shri Vivek Kumar, announced that the new system—installed on Saturday—is designed to directly control railway signalling and point machinery, significantly reducing the risk of human error and manual intervention.
“The introduction of this technology ensures safer train passage by eliminating the potential for manual mistakes in route setting and signal operation,” said DRM Vivek Kumar. “This system is not only a technological milestone for Jammu Division but also represents a broader commitment of Indian Railways to embrace smarter, safer infrastructure. It will lead to streamlined train movements and improved passenger experience.”
Kumar further added that this successful implementation at Dinanagar is part of a larger plan to expand the Direct Unlocking System to other stations in the division and across the railway network. “We are committed to making Indian Railways modern, secure, and efficient, and this is a vital step in that direction,” he said.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Indian Railways highlighted the accelerated pace of railway infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra and Srinagar on June 6, 2025. This development integrated Kashmir with the national railway grid for the first time and opened new doors for improved track maintenance and operational mobility.
The spokesperson said that earlier, manual maintenance of rail tracks in Kashmir was the norm. However, with the rail link operational, modern track maintenance machines have been deployed. Notably, a tamping machine has been in operation since early June, which has already tamped approximately 88 km of track in the Kashmir valley. Tamping ensures the proper alignment and compacting of stone ballast under the tracks, significantly improving track stability and ride comfort.
To further strengthen the track infrastructure, two Ballast Cleaning Machines (BCMs) were deployed and have deep-screened around 11.5 km of railway track, thereby improving ballast quality and reducing operational risks. Additionally, two more BCMs were sent to the valley in July 2025, which have already completed 2.5 km of deep screening work.
To support these mechanical upgrades, 17 ballast rakes were dispatched from various depots including Kathua, Qazigund, Madhopur, and Jind, unloading approximately 19,000 cubic meters of ballast onto the tracks in Kashmir. This recoupment ensures a clean and well-cushioned track base, essential for safe train operations.
Complementing this, Track Recording Car (TRC) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) runs were conducted in June and July to evaluate track health and identify critical sections requiring focused maintenance. These assessments have led to targeted improvements and elevated overall track quality in the region.
Alongside infrastructure upgrades, Indian Railways is also witnessing a paradigm shift in the maintenance and upgradation of passenger coaches in Jammu and Kashmir. Until recently, the absence of direct rail connectivity meant that coaches had to be transported via road from Budgam to Lucknow for Periodic Overhauling (POH), a process both logistically difficult and inefficient.
For the first time, DEMU/MEMU rakes from Kashmir are being transported to Lucknow by rail for maintenance. This move not only streamlines the overhauling process but also enhances the longevity and safety of the coaches in service. The complete upgradation of all rakes in the Kashmir valley is expected to be finished by August-end.
Describing Indian Railways as the ‘lifeline of the nation’, the spokesperson concluded that with the opening of the Jammu-Srinagar rail corridor and the ongoing upgradation initiatives, the railway is becoming a transformational force for Jammu and Kashmir. These efforts are aimed at delivering faster, safer, and more comfortable travel to the people of the Union Territory, while also empowering regional development, tourism, and connectivity.
The installation of the Direct Unlocking System and other infrastructure upgrades signal Indian Railways’ unwavering resolve to drive technological excellence and regional integration across the country.