Digital technologies are emerging as key drivers in the creation of intelligent, state-of-the-art infrastructure

- GUNJAN VAKHARIA

Head of Mobility Business, Siemens

How do you assess the current market scenario of Indian Railways? What are the key developments happening in railway communication systems in particular?

India has the fourth-largest railway system in the world and aims to be the key contributor to the country's economic growth and development by providing efficient, safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly modes of transport for both freight and passenger movement. The focus to achieve this goal is through capacity building, the introduction of modern technology, and addressing key concerns such as passenger experience, zero fatality, cost and sustainability. Indian Railways is also driving its infrastructure development with an increase in the speed of trains, 100% electrification, and adapting modern signalling. The railway network remains the most preferred choice for long-distance travel and movement of bulk commodities, apart from being an energy-efficient and economic mode of conveyance and transport. The government has also formulated policies for the development and adoption of innovations and new technologies for both passenger and freight transportation. A series of transformational initiatives have been contemplated by Indian Railways to bring a big upward shift in Railway communication systems. With the expansion of operations and the advent of high-speed trains, the requirement from the wireless communication infrastructure to support modern signalling systems and data-centric applications like real-time video surveillance and passenger information system, Remote monitoring and diagnostics of rolling stock etc., has been on the rise in Indian railways.

Indian Railways is planning to spend more than Rs 1 trillion on developing and procuring assets. What opportunities do you anticipate in this?

With the National Rail Plan 2030 setting the blueprint, investments are expected to further boost the development of infrastructure and related products under 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. Innovations through research, design, manufacturing, and digitalization will continue to be the key drivers in the transformation of Indian Railways. Siemens will actively look to contribute by local addition to the entire value chain of engineering, manufacturing, installation, and commissioning along with after-sales services. We offer customized solutions based on our strategic pyramid of electrification, automation, and digitalization to ensure customers experience an uninterrupted operation. Siemens' specific solutions on rolling stock propulsion for locomotives, hotel load converters and signalling solutions are aiding Indian Railways to meet their aspirations of adding capacity and improving throughput, in addition to the greener aspect of the technology to support customers' Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

In spite of the vast railway network, Indian Railways still lag behind in operational efficiency. What steps are needed to improve the efficiency and what kind of communication systems will support in this regard?

Indian Rail System is one of the largest in the world. Managing such a large system is no small job and requires an efficient and well-coordinated system whereby action is required to get the maximum out of already available assets, deploying products and systems that are more efficient and requires fewer resources, organizational efficiency, focusing on punctuality, real-time tracking of trains for adjusting train movement and other allied services so that the entire system still provides most efficient output.

To enable the above one needs to make trains and infrastructure intelligent. So, that means, whatever information you have on the moving stock like locomotives, you can bring that information to your control centre.

Increasing value sustainably over the entire life cycle of the operation is the need of the hour for every rail operator. The cost, the sustainability, over not only the CAPEX period but also the entire life cycle is very critical.

How is digitalization taking a lead role in railway and metro operations and functions? What are the technologies and solutions offered by the company?

Faster, more accurate and advanced digitalization solutions address daily challenges faced by our customers. We offer long-term experience and cutting-edge technologies that set the highest standards in efficiency, quality and the environment. State-of-the-art metro transportation solutions from Siemens include a signalling system, electrification, rolling stock, major depot workshop equipment, etc. Siemens also oversees the design, system integration and interface management. For reference, Bengaluru Metro will see the first Driverless Train Technology for its 18.8 km Yellow Line. Once equipped with automated signalling and train operations technology, the line will be able to accommodate a headway of 90 seconds for high-capacity levels. Our state-of-the-art CBTC signalling at GoA 4 (Grade of Automation) will allow trains to operate driverless, as they will be automatically controlled and supervised without any onboard intervention. This will deliver a truly modern system featuring superior availability, reliability, and passenger experience. The consortium of Siemens Limited India and Siemens Mobility GmbH has secured an order from Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), a listed Mini Ratna Category I Schedule A CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Railways, for signalling and telecommunication of the Kavi Subhash-Biman Bandar Corridor (32 km) and Joka-Esplanade Metro Corridor (16 km) of Kolkata Metro Line 3 & 6. Siemens CBTC solution will facilitate 100% punctuality, maximum network capacity, energy savings and decreased headways while ensuring the highest possible safety.

Over 500 km of the metro rail network has been constructed in the past 8 years and work for another 1,000 km network is underway in the country, according to PM's statement. What role will technology and automation play in these projects?

India is a country on the move. Among the fastest-growing major economies of the world, one of the key imperatives is to ensure sustainable growth to raise the productivity and efficiency of its transport system. The challenge is to ensure a multi-modal, well-integrated transport system to match the pace of urbanization, and efficiently transport the rising number of people and goods with minimal environmental impact. Digital technologies are emerging as key drivers in the creation of intelligent, state-of-the-art infrastructure. Leading the charge, technology majors are leveraging their expertise and know-how in automation, digitalization and intelligent electrification to meet the need for smart mobility solutions and service the entire mobility spectrum. With digitalization, the country's mobility players are enabling operators to make intelligent trains and infrastructure, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance the passenger experience, and guarantee availability.

What are the plans of Siemens for railway infrastructure development in the coming years?

Advanced technological progress in automation, digitalization, and intelligent solutions can make a lot of difference and Siemens is engaged in all of them. And these technologies aim to transform the Railways sector so that they can achieve sustainability and reliability. We have the vision to help deliver safer, greener & smarter railways. Along with sustainable mobility, we will continue to focus on providing technologies for punctual and comfortable train run for passengers and freight transportation. Together with Indian Railways and Metro operators, we aim to achieve optimized rail network throughput and higher asset availability.

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