Intelligent transportation system (ITS) technologies and solutions have been developed and deployed across Indian cities as a cost-effective way to increase the capacity of current transportation systems. Some of the major components of ITS are advanced traffic management systems, automatic vehicle location and fleet management systems, automatic vehicle detection systems, traffic signal control systems, electronic fare payment systems and central control systems. ITS covers all modes of transport and considers all elements of a transportation system, such as vehicles, infrastructure, and drivers or users, interacting together dynamically.
Internet of things (IoT) has created new opportunities in urban transport asset management. With sensors attached to critical components, vast quantities of data can be collected. Sensors also create both exogenous data that measures external factors, such as the weather or line conditions, and endogenous data synthesised from within a train’s subsystems. This vast quantity of data (termed as big data) can be analysed and used for generating insightful information.
Metro rail transportation was one of the early adopters of the IoT and big data technology trends. Devices and sensors along tracks and inside stations have helped enhance operators’ situational awareness, and keep the rail system secure. But operators are increasingly relying on data to optimise business too. Metro rail companies are managing and monitoring video surveillance data feeds, turnstile entrance access control data, X-ray baggage scanners, door metal frame detectors and handheld metal detector systems very efficiently. Over and above physical security systems, big data and IoT innovations can bolster security in the country’s metro rail network.
Delhi metro has launched i-ATS, an indigenously built, communications-based, train control-based signalling technology that is an important subsystem of the metro’s signalling system. Automatic train supervision (ATS) is a computer-based system that manages train operations. MakeMyTrip, together with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited, has introduced QR code-based e-tickets for the Hyderabad metro that will provide a cashless, convenient and connected experience to commuters. Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has implemented a complete contactless ticketing system that greatly reduces the risk of Covid spread. Passengers are able to book tickets and buy passes of their choice (single-journey ticket, round-journey ticket, trip passes) in the form of QR codes through the existing CMRL mobile app.
Meanwhile, Motovolt Mobility has launched India’s first fleet of smart e-cycles and unveiled four variants: HUM, KIVO STANDARD, KIVO EASY and ICE. All the products will be connected by IoT and will be powered by smart lithium-ion batteries and an intelligent battery management system. Motovolt Mobility has tied up with Metro Cash & Carry India to introduce a new category for selling e-cycles across metro wholesale stores in the country.
Next steps
The introduction of IoT and big data can enable surveillance systems to perform logical processing and intelligent video analytics, enhancing the usability of data and reducing response latency. Leveraging deep engineering knowledge and data analytics capabilities, data can be utilised to predict component failures and carry out root cause analysis for failure, enabling continuous improvement. This will lead to a tailored maintenance strategy that extends the useful life of components, reduces labour costs and avoids corrective maintenance. Big data analytics, coupled with digitalisation of infrastructure and assets, will assist in increasing the availability and decreasing the costs of infrastructure and asset management. Further, big data analytics can help analyse trends and patterns of passenger traffic, which can help in projecting future traffic. Moreover, data insights can be used to enhance the sustainability of transport systems over a long period of time.