RailTel introduces VHF Simplex radio system to ensure passenger safety for tunnel travel

In a major development to the safety of travellers in the Northern Railway, state-run company RailTel has been granted the provision work of Integrated Tunnel Communication Systems (VHF Simplex) in sections under the jurisdiction of the Konkan Railway. The development will be benefitting the Rail Link Project in the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla section of the Northern Railway. The project is considered significant as it is aimed to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the nation. 

VHF Simplex circuits are mainly used for distress, urgency, safety, and routine calling purposes. It enables radio channels to communicate with each other directly, on the same frequency where only one party can talk at a time, while the other listens until he/she can get an opportunity to transmit. The transmission medium (the radio signal over the air) can carry information in only one direction.

Govt's bid to ease communication inside tunnels

Usually, communication inside the tunnels is interrupted due to poor signal coverage which can hamper train operations and maintenance activities. The state-of-the-art Integrated Tunnel Communication System is designed to provide uninterrupted radio communication between handled radios inside the tunnel, to the base station at tunnel control rooms, and Station Masters of adjacent stations.

Staff involved in construction or maintenance activities and train operations are provided with a handheld device for smooth connectivity. With this, communication of all channels inside the tunnel become independent, simultaneous, and failure-free. The completion of the project will ensure the safe and smooth movement of trains inside the tunnels, undoubtedly, the most difficult terrain that the Indian Railways covers.

Project to be replicated in Mumbai & South Western Railway: RailTel Chairman

Chairman and Managing Director of RailTel Puneet Chawla stated that the project will also be implemented in the Mumbai Division of Central Railway and Castle Rock-Kulem section (Braganza Ghat) of South Western Railway.

"Tunnel communication is a crucial part of an overall train communication system and RailTel has the expertise to execute it for improving train operations as well as safety. We are already executing similar projects for Panvel-Karjat, Karjat-Lonavala, and Kasara-Igatpuri sections of the Central Railway's Mumbai division and Castle Rock-Kulem section (Braganza Ghat) of South Western Railway," Chawla said.

"We are eyeing more similar projects and generating good revenue from these niche projects which will not only help to diversify the work experience of RailTel but will also enable us to contribute towards Nation Building," Chawla added.

The initiative is considered to significantly help in achieving continuous and uninterrupted coverage over the entire length of the tunnel with clear audio. The project is expected to provide a reliable system to operate under harsh tunnel environmental conditions while easing operational maintenance.

About RailTel

RailTel, a Central Public Sector Enterprise is an information and communications technology (ICT) provider and one of the largest neutral telecom infrastructure providers in the country owning a pan-India optic fibre network on exclusive Right of Way (ROW) along Railway track. It was established in September 2000 to create nationwide broadband, telecom, and multimedia network, to modernise train control operations. The company's network passes through as many as 5,000 stations across the country covering all major commercial centres. The Ministry of Railways under the Government of India holds a 72.84% stake in the company.

(With Inputs from ANI)

Image: Unsplash, Shutterstock, Representative