BEML and Bharat Electronics forge partnership to develop Indigenous Train Control Management System
BEML and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have embarked on a transformative journey towards revolutionizing rail communication technology in India by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly develop an indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS). This pioneering collaboration between two of India's major Defence PSUs, BEML and BEL, aims to drive innovation and foster self-reliance in the critical domain of train control management systems.
The MOU was exchanged in a ceremony held at BEML headquarters, attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, and Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) representing BEL, alongside other senior officials from both organizations. This momentous occasion signifies a significant step forward in aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative championed by the Government of India. The primary objective of this partnership is to identify potential areas of cooperation between BEML and BEL, with a focus on exploring the joint development of high-value products and solutions tailored to the requirements of Indian Railways and Metro systems.
Shantanu Roy, CMD of BEML, said, “We are happy to sign this initiative with India’s leading professional electronics player, BEL Ltd that will be aimed towards reducing India's import dependency for train communication technology and enhancing the nation's indigenization capacity. Our joint endeavour aligns perfectly with India's ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition, aiming to achieve the world-class products for rail industry.”
Currently, Train Control Management Systems (TCMS) are predominantly supplied by propulsion suppliers, leading to dependency on imported technology. In line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the collaboration aims to develop TCMS indigenously to meet the future needs of rail projects in the country. Often referred to as the ‘brain of the train’, TCMS is aimed to play a pivotal role in coordinating control and monitoring across various systems.
It encompasses a distributed control system comprising computer devices, software, human-machine interfaces, digital and analogue input/output capabilities, and secure data networks. TCMS facilitates seamless data communication interfaces with other train-borne and wayside systems, ensuring efficient and reliable rail operations. Through this strategic alliance, BEML and BEL are poised to revolutionize the landscape of rail transportation in India, ushering in a new era of technological advancement, operational efficiency, and national self-reliance.
