By Arun Kumar, Adviser, Signalling and Telecom, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
Urban transportation is the lifeblood of modern cities, powering economic activities, connecting communities and shaping the way people live. India’s growing economy has witnessed a rise in demand for urban transport infrastructure and services. In the bustling context of India, where rapid urbanisation is transforming city landscapes, the need for an efficient and sustainable urban transportation system has been efficiently fulfilled by bus, rail and mass rapid transit systems (MRTSs). This article delves into the complex challenges and opportunities, and explores the dynamic world of urban transportation in India.
Innovations
In a first for India’s MRTS, an indigenously developed signalling technology was launched for operations on the Red Line of Delhi Metro. India’s first-ever indigenous automatic train supervision system (i-ATS) was developed by a joint team of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), under the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives for MRTS.
The introduction of i-ATS is a historic occasion for the urban rail sector in the country. The system is planned to be deployed on other operational corridors as well as upcoming corridors of the Delhi metro Phase IV project. Preventive maintenance modules will also be introduced in the Phase IV corridors. In addition, i-ATS can be used in the operations of other rail-based systems, including Indian Railways. This technology is interoperable with signalling systems from different vendors with suitable modifications.
The development of the i-ATS technology is a major step towards the development of an indigenously built communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling system for metro projects, since the ATS is an important sub system of the CBTC signalling system. ATS is a computer-based system that manages train operations. This system is indispensable for high-train density operations such as metro rail, where services are scheduled every few minutes. Technology systems such as CBTC are primarily controlled by foreign countries.
DMRC and BEL have collaborated to develop an indigenous i-CBTC system. The team has commenced work at the i-CBTC lab of DMRC and will soon deploy a prototype i-CBTC product on a “designated test track” within the DMRC network. With this partnership, DMRC and BEL are set to usher in a new era of rail transportation in India, driving innovation, reducing costs and fostering self-reliance in the field of train control signalling systems.
Challenges
Major challenges faced by urban MRTSs include the high cost associated with systems supplied by a limited number of multinational corporations/original equipment manufacturers and the subsequent dependence on them for post-commissioning maintenance/modification support. DMRC is actively working to overcome these challenges by working to develop indigenous resources through Indian industrial partners as well as taking up the initiative of research and development activities. DMRC has already achieved a few breakthroughs in this field, such as the development and deployment of i-ATS, and is in the process of developing a state-of-the-art i-CBTC system.
In sum
As we look ahead, emerging technologies promise to reshape the urban transportation landscape. Autonomous vehicles, connected infrastructure, and the growing concept of mobility-as-a-service are on the horizon. Government policies play a pivotal role in shaping this future, requiring a collaborative effort to align regulations with technological advancements and sustainable practices.
In navigating the multifaceted world of urban transportation, it is evident that a holistic approach is the need of the hour. By embracing technological advancements, learning from successful case studies, and anticipating future trends, Indian cities can forge a path towards sustainable and efficient urban transportation. As we collectively strive for a better-connected future, let us remember that the journey is as crucial as the destination.
