New Delhi (NVI): In order to make its trains run on time and improve its public announcement system, Western Railway has installed Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) system in Mumbai local trains.
The MTRC system is an effective and a technologically advanced communication system which can play an intrinsic role in preventing train accidents and reducing delays through effective communication, according to a statement issued by Ministry of Railways.
It facilitates an instant and constant interaction of train crew with the Control Centre and the Station Master, the statement added.
It was inaugurated by Alok Kansal, General Manager, Western Railway, at Divisional Railway Manager’s Office in Mumbai.
“MRTC acts in a similar way to that of Air traffic control (ARC) for aircrafts. The system will monitor, track and aid in communication between the trains and the control room thereby ensuring smooth movement of rakes as well as help in preventing adverse events, ” Kansal said.
Speaking about the need for an MTRC system, he said, “This is the first time that MTRC is commissioned in India. It is a historic move of the Indian Railways. The new system has already been installed in 90 out of 100 rakes running between Churchgate and Virar.”
The current MTRC system has been commissioned in Churchgate-Virar section. The 60-kilometre suburban section between Churchgate-Virar is a high-density-traffic route where trains run with headway (at an interval) of approximate 3 minutes in peak hours. The section transports over 3.4 million passengers every day by operating over 1,300 services.
“MTRC uses lowest time to connect calls i.e 300 milliseconds. It also has a provision of pre-defined, one – touch dialing thereby ensuring prompt communication. It ensures safety of passengers by providing effective communication between Driver and Control Room. With this new system we can track the location of trains through GPS and even find out if a level crossing is open or closed,” he added.
“Western Railways is committed to provide best of the services to the public, be it with the number of trains, quality of service or safety of travellers. This newly commissioned MTRC will enable passengers’ convenience and in case of emergency prompt communication through its advanced technology,” Kansal noted.
Furthermore, as a move towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the work for the provision of new Digital MTRC system has been awarded to Consort Digital Pvt. Ltd., at an estimated cost of Rs 5.98 crore. The company will provide technical and maintenance support of the system for seven years.
-CHK
