The automatic signalling system between Bangalore Cantonment and Baiyappanahalli stations was commissioned on Sunday, raising hopes that more trains can be introduced on the line or the existing suburban trains can become punctual.

The commissioning of the system on the 6-km stretch is part of the 19-km Bangalore Cantonment to Whitefield works that were sanctioned in 2013-14 at a cost of ₹19.75 crore.

This section handles 86 trains per day, including 26 suburban or short-distance trains.

“Automatic signalling will augment the sectional capacity for running trains faster,” said South Western Railways in a release.

Hitherto, many trains had to wait at stations until they get platform clearance. Automatic signalling eases the situation by allowing trains to move keeping a gap of 1km between each other eliminating the need to regulate them at stations, said the release.

Railways officials said work on the entire stretch will be completed by the end of February.