Modern Signalling on Indian Railways.

Shri Ahamed Calls for Adaptation of Modern Signal & Telecom System on Indian Railways

The Minister of State for Railways, Shri E. Ahamed said that to lower the unit cost of operation, advanced signal and telecom system can enable Indian Railways to run more trains, prevent accidents, contribute to passenger satisfaction by providing accurate information about train running and can also augment revenue by commercially exploiting the surplus capacity available in the field of communications. Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of an International Convention on ‘Modern Railway Signaling & Telecom System’, being organized by Institute of Railway Signal and Telecommunication Engineers (IRSTE) (India) along with Institution of Railway Signal Engineers (IRSE) (London), here today, Shri Ahamed said that Signalling & Telecom system is an essential means of optimization of line- capacity and enhancement of safety. Some of the many important system adopted on Indian Railways for enhancing efficiency and safety include Anti Collision Device, an indigenous GPS based system.. He said that it was a matter of great encouragement that as a result of continuous thrust on providing these safety improvement system at stations by way of track circuiting and replacement of over-aged signaling assets, safety level and efficiency in rain operations have considerably improved and have substantially helped in elimination of accidents due to human errors. He said that all out efforts are required to exploit the hidden potential of Signal & Telecom systems.
The Minister further said that Indian Railways, one of the largest networks in the world, is the principle mode of transport in the country. Growth of the Railways since inception has directly contributed to the economic and social development of the nation. Shri Ahamed added that this International Convention will help Science and Technological engineers in identifying optimal technical solution in the field of Signalling & Telecom and identify modern emerging strategies for enhancing line capacity, safety and operational efficiency for the overall development of the railway system transport system in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Vivek Sahai, Chairman, Railway Board said that Indian Railway Vision 2010 document among other things focuses on increasing efficiency in train operations, low equipment failures, provision of proven on-board train protection systems, satellite based train tracking and information systems and the advance Signaling and Telecom systems form the core of each of these targeted areas. He said Signal & Telecom system, plays an important role in safety enhancement and line capacity improvement. He said that Railways will continue to take steps to modernize its operation in all fields including Signal & Telecom. Shri Sahai further said that mobile train radio communication, extension of optical fibre cable (OFC) over the entire roué, IP based train control communication, voice network modernization and replacement of overhead alignment with underground cable/OFCs are among the measures to be used to improve reliability of the communication system and enhance the capability of the transport system.
Shri Sudesh Kumar, Member Electrical, Railway Board who was also present on the occasion said that being the safest, most fuel efficient, cheapest and comfortable mode of transport, Indian Railways play a vital role in the development of economy of the nation. He said that Railways Signalling & Telecommunication technology is on the brink of a revolution. Today’s developing railways need not only modern technology but modern adaptable technology. He said that this convention will provide the much needed common platform to discuss, evaluate and optimize technological, organizational and managerial issues for this mammoth exercise of completion of Science & Telecom works and projects envisaged in Vision 2020 projections of Indian Railways.
This five day International Convention will have a series of exhibitions, site visits, interaction and train ride showcasing the Signal & Telecom System deployed for railway operations on Indian Railways.
Source: Ministry of Railways