SOUTH COAST RAILWAY COMPLETES AUTOMATIC BLOCK SIGNALLING ON ENTIRE GUNTAKAL-RAICHUR SECTION South Coast Railway has achieved a significant milestone in railway modernisation with the successful commissioning of Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) across a 28.112-route-kilometre stretch of the double-line section between Adoni, Isivi, Kuppagal and Kosgi stations in the Guntakal Division on October 16, 2026. The development marks the completion of automatic signalling across the entire Guntakal-Raichur corridor, strengthening operational safety and enhancing line capacity. The commissioning is part of a comprehensive safety and capacity enhancement initiative sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore. With this achievement, South Coast Railway has commissioned a cumulative total of 105 route kilometres of Automatic Block Signalling across its network. The newly commissioned stretch comprises Adoni-Isivi (6.64 route kilometres), Isivi-Kuppagal (7.79 route kilometres) and Kuppagal-Kosgi (13.68 route kilometres), covering a total of 28.112 route kilometres and 56.224 track kilometres. The sections have been equipped with advanced signalling technology and fail-safe safety systems to improve train movement management and operational reliability. As part of the project, 178 detection points using Frauscher-made Dual Multi-Section Digital Axle Counters (Dual MSDAC) have been installed across the three sections. The infrastructure also includes 38 new mainline signals, 24 station semi-automatic signals and five dedicated Automatic Block Signalling huts. To further strengthen level crossing safety, Level Crossing Gate No. 204 has been interlocked with the signalling system. Modern approach locking and audio-visual approach warning systems have also been commissioned at Level Crossing Gates 195, 199, 201, 204 and 205. The signalling infrastructure is further supported by five Integrated Power Supply units to ensure reliable power supply, five advanced data loggers for real-time monitoring and diagnostic reporting, and 16 sets of Universal Fail-Safe Block Interfaces, along with non-vital multiplexers. General Manager of South Coast Railway, Shri Sandeep Mathur, appreciated the officers, engineers and ground staff of the Projects Wing and Signal - Telecommunication Department for completing the commissioning works smoothly without disrupting regular train services. The achievement represents a major step towards safer, more efficient and higher-capacity railway operations, reflecting South Coast Railway's continued commitment to modernising signalling infrastructure and improving the reliability of train services.

VISAKHAPATNAM HOSTS SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF 80TH MEN'S AND 19TH WOMEN'S ALL INDIA RAILWAY BOXING CHAMPIONSHIP 2026 The four-day 80th Men’s and 19th Women’s All India Railway Boxing Championship, 2026, concluded on October 10 at the Railway Indoor Sports Enclave (RISE), Visakhapatnam, marking a memorable celebration of sporting excellence, discipline and competitive spirit. Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, South Coast Railway (SCoR), graced the valedictory ceremony as the Chief Guest. Shri Lalit Bohra, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM); Shri L.V.V.S. Patrudu, Principal Chief Personnel Officer; and Shri T.K. Sinha, Principal Chief Electrical Engineer, were the Guests of Honour. Organised by the South Coast Railway Sports Association (SCoRSA), the championship was held from October 7 to 10, 2026, and witnessed the participation of 142 boxers, comprising 86 men and 56 women, representing 16 railway zones across the country. The event marked a significant milestone for South Coast Railway, as it was the first major national-level sporting championship hosted by SCoRSA since the formation of the new railway zone. It also provided a prestigious platform for the newly established zone to showcase its sporting capabilities and encourage emerging talent at the national level. Addressing the gathering at the closing ceremony, Shri Sandeep Mathur congratulated the organisers, participating boxers and officials for the successful conduct of the championship. He highlighted the longstanding contribution of Indian Railways to the promotion of sports in the country, noting that the Men’s All India Railway Boxing Championship, which began in 1945, had reached its 80th edition, while the Women’s Championship, introduced in 2007, was being held for the 19th time. The General Manager emphasised that championships of this stature play a vital role in identifying promising athletes, raising competitive standards and preparing boxers for the Elite National Boxing Championships and international competitions. He commended the participants for their technical skills, determination, discipline and sportsmanship displayed throughout the four-day event. He also congratulated Naman Tanwar, Nikhil Dubey and Anmol on their recent participation in the World Cup, and noted that Naman Tanwar and Nikhil Dubey had also represented India at the Commonwealth Games. Appreciating the efforts of SCoRSA, Shri Mathur acknowledged the valuable contributions of officials from the Boxing Federation of India, referees, judges, coaches, technical officials, support staff and volunteers in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the championship. He encouraged the boxers to uphold the values of perseverance, fair play, discipline and mutual respect, while striving for greater achievements at national and international levels. Addressing the gathering, Shri Lalit Bohra, DRM, reiterated Indian Railways’ commitment to nurturing sporting talent through employment opportunities, professional training facilities and institutional support. He underscored the importance of athlete welfare and the continuous improvement of sports infrastructure to help sportspersons achieve their full potential. He observed that the championship reaffirmed Indian Railways’ dedication to sports promotion and talent development, while providing South Coast Railway with an important opportunity to establish its presence on the national sporting platform. During the concluding ceremony, Shri Sandeep Mathur, General Manager, along with Shri Lalit Bohra, DRM, presented trophies, medals, certificates and mementoes to the winners, runners-up, representatives of the Railway Sports Promotion Board, event organisers and other dignitaries associated with the championship. Championship Results Overall Team Championship Winner: Northern Railway – 6 gold medals Runner-up: Eastern Railway – 5 gold medals Individual Awards Best Boxer – Men: K. Sanjeet Singh, Eastern Railway Best Promising Boxer – Men: Asish, Northern Railway Best Boxer – Women: Nakita Kumari, Northeast Frontier Railway Best Promising Boxer – Women: G. Niharika, South Coast Railway South Coast Railway congratulated all participating boxers, medal winners, officials and organisers for making the championship a grand success. The event underscored Indian Railways’ continued commitment to promoting sporting excellence and nurturing talented athletes, while highlighting Visakhapatnam’s role as a venue for major national-level sporting events. South Coast Railway wishes all the participants continued success in their future sporting endeavours.