The invention relates to an improved block control for controlling a train safely and efficiently along a railway system. The apparatus includes a mechanism for designating a train route, a mechanism for assigning a feeder section along the designated train route to a desired substation, a mechanism for locking an assigned feeder section to a desired substation and for preventing unlocking of that assignment until predetermined conditions are met, a mechanism for designating a traveling direction of the train along the assigned feeder section, and a mechanism for controlling operation of the train along a designated control route. The invention also relates to a mechanism for enlarging a control route, a mechanism for unlocking the assigned feeder sections and substations, a mechanism for checking a determined control route, a mechanism for changing the borders of a feeder section, and a mechanism for selectively communicating received data to the correct substation to facilitate control of the train. The invention also relates to a method concerning the same.