Tamper-proof Signalling System

July 4, 2023

The Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, is making significant strides in ensuring the safety and efficiency of train operations for the Indian Railways. By leveraging the power of blockchain technology, researchers from the Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) stream are developing a tamper-proof signalling system.

Enhancing Safety and Security with Blockchain

The tamper-proof signalling system being developed by IIT Kharagpur is based on blockchain technology. Blockchain is a decentralized system that ensures the integrity, security, and immutability of recorded information. This technology, widely known for its use in cryptocurrency and banking transactions, is capable of recording information that cannot be tampered with, hacked, or manipulated.

Differentiating from the Data Logger

The existing Data Logger, often referred to as the ‘Black Box’ of rolling stock, has limitations in terms of centralization, data integrity, and limited access control. The new tamper-proof signalling system aims to address these limitations by providing enhanced data integrity, transparency, and security. By utilizing blockchain’s distributed ledger, cryptography, and smart contracts, the system enables secure data sharing among stakeholders and creates tamper-evident audit trails.

Benefits and Significance

The proposed blockchain-enabled signalling system offers several notable benefits. It enhances accountability, ensuring that all events occurring in trains and control rooms are securely recorded without the possibility of tampering or bypassing. Moreover, the system increases safety by providing a mechanism for robust communication, control, and monitoring of train operations. The efficiency of the Indian Railways is expected to be boosted through automated processes facilitated by smart contracts.

Context of the Project

The request for the proposal came in the wake of a tragic train accident at Bahanaga Bazar railway station in the Kharagpur Division of South Eastern Railway on June 2, 2023. The tragic event resulted in the loss of 291 passengers’ lives and caused injuries to more than 900 individuals. This incident highlights the crucial need for improved safety measures in train operations.

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