Modern signalling and telecommunication systems play a key role in enhancing safe and reliable train operations. Indian Railways (IR) aims to transform the country’s conventional railway system with the introduction of modern signalling and telecommunication technologies. It is continuously upgrading and replacing its signalling and telecommunication equipment based on its condition, operational needs and the availability of resources.
The technological advancements being made by IR in signalling and telecommunication systems are enhancing the railway infrastructure capacity. The modern technologies being deployed by IR include the European Train Control System (ETCS), 3D model technology, the train collision avoidance system (TCAS) and the modern train control system based on the mobile train radio communication system.
The implementation of ETCS ensures that the speed limit of the train is compatible with the permitted speed, and improves safety and punctuality. The infrastructure 3D model technology recognises the oncoming train and its speed, records data images, and helps with 3D visualisation of the railway track with all assets, train driver simulations and digital track capturing. TCAS is an automatic train protection system developed by IR with domestic manufacturers. It is capable of preventing train accidents through the automatic application of brakes should the train driver fail to do so. Further, the modern train control system based on the mobile train radio communication system is aimed at the advancement of the signalling system. It improves the safety and line capacity, and helps run trains at a higher speed.
Recent trends and developments
IR is in the process of adopting the National Rail Plan, which is targeting an increase in IR’s modal share from 26 per cent of all transport to 45 per cent by 2030. The document stresses the need to complete the installation of advanced signalling and telecommunication systems at strategic locations. In a bid to modernise signalling and telecommunication systems across IR’s network, the Ministry of Railways (MoR) and Railtel Enterprises have signed an MoU for a Rs 15 billion pilot project aimed at employing ETCS L2 on four sections, covering a total of 640 km.
Over the past few years, IR has also placed a special emphasis on ensuring zero accidents on its network. As a result, the number of train accidents has declined significantly. One of IR’s sub-missions to ensure zero accidents is developing an indigenous technology, TCAS, to prevent collisions.
An increased focus on safety has made signalling and telecommunication an important aspect of railway infrastructure in the country. This has opened up new opportunities for technology providers and equipment suppliers. Further, there has been a shift towards indigenous technologies, which has given an impetus to the Make in India initiative, thereby increasing the scope of local equipment suppliers in the country.
IR has also allowed private participation in operations. This has facilitated increased investment in rail infrastructure to replace obsolete signalling and telecommunication technologies with modern technology.
Impact of Covid-19 and future outlook
Railway operations were massively hit by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as scheduled passenger trains were suspended in March 2020, which led to IR suffering huge revenue losses. In order to rationalise its expenses in the wake of the economic slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the national transporter decided to put on hold all its infrastructure projects sanctioned during 2020-21, except those related to safety work. Since signalling and telecommunication projects are directly related to safe operation of trains, such projects are being undertaken by various zones with prior approval of the finance ministry.
Going forward, the increased focus of the MoR on enhancing the safety of railway operations will lead to a rise in investments in signalling and telecommunication systems. During 2020-21, out of the total railway budget of Rs 700 billion, around Rs 16.5 billion (2.35 per cent) was allocated to signalling and telecommunication works. The budget allocated for signalling and telecommunication has witnessed a steady rise since 2016-17, when it was merely 0.78 per cent.
As per the Railways Pink Book 2020-21, there are around 712 ongoing signalling and telecommunication projects on IR’s network across different zones. These projects are expected to entail an investment of Rs 440.52 billion, with the North Central Railway Zone witnessing the highest investment of Rs 53.66 billion. These projects are expected to strengthen IR’s modernisation drive for its signalling and telecommunication systems, and open up opportunities for various stakeholders.