The Central Railway (CR) in Mumbai has planed to replace the remaining 1,700 signals on its suburban network and has sought approval from the Railway Board to help reduce costs and maintenance of signals and eliminates instances of signal failure.

Each signal post usually consists of four colored lamps, one each of green and red and two amber ones.

It’s reported that CR first started the system on a pilot basis, in 2009, on the Mumbai CST-Kurla stretch and powered 285 signals with LED. As the former positive results, now the CR plans to replace the remaining signals on its network.

An official from CR informed that, "With the replacement, the problem of signal bulbs fusing will be eliminated as LED bulbs have a lifespan of around 10 years. Conventional signal bulbs last for not more than 1-2 years. After this switchover, signals would require less maintenance and chances of signal failure (due to bulb fusing) will also be minimized. Even if a single diode doesn't work, it won't affect the signal system."

The LED switchover project will cost Rs 5.1 crore. "A proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval. After getting a green signal, it will take 12-24 months for the conversion to get through. The LED-powered signals are helpful for motormen as they are easily visible from a long distance," informed AK Singh, PRO Central Railway.