What systems does IR use for control and reporting of signals and related equipment?
Panel Interlocking or Route Relay Interlocking are common in most busy stations. Usually, with these the aspects of all signals and positions of trains in various track sections is shown on a control panel. The control circuits usually use underground cables along the track, and sometimes overhead cables. Trackside cables are not used much because of the possibility of pilferage and sabotage. Many areas have data logging equipment for each piece of signal equipment, which records information on the functioning of the signal and sends it to a computer at a central point (usually the division headquarters) where reports can be generated and alarms raised for various kinds of malfunctions (power failure, signal passed at danger, train entering without line clear, signal lamp failure, loose packing of points, etc.). A typical data logger used in such a system monitors all signal equipment and track circuits 5-50 times a second and signal power supplies every second.
