Alstom India Awarded Train Control, Signalling System for Delhi-Meerut RRTS
National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) has awarded Alstom India Rs. 910 Cr. job for installation, testing and commissioning of Signalling & Train Control, Telecommunication & PSD systems. The mandate is issued for 82-Km-long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor.
Alstom shall be suppling European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) hybrid Level 3* signalling system for Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor. “This system is the core signalling and train control component of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS)“, as mentioned in the press release of Alstom dtd. 20th January 2021. Also, ETCS L2 system is most advanced signalling and train control system of the world.
Delhi-Meerut RRTS corridor is first in India to adopt European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2) Hybrid Level 3 signalling system.
* Hybrid Level 3 is a combination of ETCS Level 2 with shorter virtual section normally used in ETCS Level 3 for even higher performance.
Alstom’s Scope of Work Under the Issued Mandate by NCRTC
Alstom’s scope of work includes design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of signalling & train control, supervision, platform screen doors (PSDs) and telecommunication systems for RRTS corridor.
Features of Delhi-Meerut RRTS and European Train Control System Level 2 (ETCS L2)
ETCS L2 ensures interoperability and train movement at quick frequencies, which shall help in reducing the waiting time for passengers.
NCRTC’s press release dtd 25th Janaury mentioned that “This system will also be the world’s first to deploy the combination of the latest ETCS Standard, the latest Digital Interlocking and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) over Long-Term Evolution (LTE) radio“.
ETCS L2 system shall integrate platform screen door (PSD) operation, which shall enhance the safety to commuters. This system shall ensure that the train doors and PSDs are synchronised to avoid any accidents. The train shall only start on closing of both doors.
NCRTC further mentioned in its press release “salient feature of the RRTS is its interoperability that will facilitate seamless commuter movement across corridors, without the hassle of changing the trains“.
Commenting on contract Ling Fang, Senior Vice President of Alstom Asia Pacific said “As leaders in digital mobility, we are thrilled to receive this contract and provide India’s first-ever line with the future proof signalling system. Alstom sees huge potential for the technology in the Indian market. We are looking forward to deploying our advanced technologies in a bid to revamp the mainline railway landscape”
About National Capital Region Transport Corporation: National Capital Region Transport Corporation is a joint venture of Government of India (50%) and States of Delhi (12.5%), Haryana (12.5%), Rajasthan (12.5%) and Uttar Pradesh (12.5%) is formed to implement an alternate mode for commuting across National Capital Region (NCR) called as Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). NCRTC is the nodal agency executing India’s first RRTS project.
About Delhi-Meerut RRTS: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS is semi-high speed rail corridor connecting Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut covering a distance of 82 Km with 22 stations. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 30,274 crore (USD 3,749 million).