A cab signalling system similar to the European Train Control System and conversion of mechanical system to electronic interlocking in about 5000 stations are among the measures proposed by the Sam Pitroda committee on modernisation of railways.

Constituted by Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi in September last year, the committee headed by technocrat Pitroda, is likely to submit its report next week recommending massive upgradation of signalling, tracks, rolling stock, stations and terminals at an estimated cost over Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years.

Cab signalling system, the most advanced system prevalent in Europe, enables the loco pilot to see the incoming signal in his cabin.

Besides the panel has sought to expedite the installation of Train Protection Warning System on busy lines to prevent accidents.

The other members of the expert committee include Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Bank; MS Verma, former Chairman SBI; Professor Raghuram, IIM-Ahmedabad; Dr Rajiv Lal, MD, IDFC and Vinayak Chatterjee, Chairman, Feedback, Infrastructure Services.

The expert panel has suggested Rs 10,000 crore for investment in infrastructure in the next fiscal coinciding with the 12th Five-Year Plan.

Trivedi has maintained that existing infrastructure in railways has outlived its utility and there is strong need of upgradation.

"The present railway system has outlived its utility. We are in some kind of Victorian age as far as the railways are concerned. Signalling is archaic. We have to take a big leap to embark upon a new generation," he had said.