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Cabinet approves allotment of 5 MHz spectrum in 700 MHz band to Indian Railways

Govt says it will enhances safety and security of train operations

Representative image | AP Representative image | AP

The Union cabinet has approved allotment of 5MHz spectrum in 700 MHz frequency band to Indian Railways which is likely to enhance public safety and security services at stations and in trains.          

The railways currently uses 2G network for communication. Under the new allotment, it will use 4G network which will be used for enhanced communication and even sending and receiving data over its internal network. 

The railways envisages that shifting to LTE technology in 700 MHz will allow it use critical passenger safety services and applications on its signalling system.

For passengers, it would mean that live feed from the CCTV cameras in trains will be available for driver and command centre along with video analytics for passenger security. It will be used for modern signalling and train protection systems and ensure seamless communication between loco pilots and guards.

The same spectrum can be used to provide WiFi in trains.. 

The move will allow for faster data network communication for voice, video and other related application and train and way side telemetry through mobile communications.

The estimated investment in the project is more than Rs 25,000 crore. The project will be completed in the next five years, the government statement said.

The government said that in addition to this, Indian Railways has approved TCAS (Train Collision Avoidance System), an indigenously developed ATP (Automatic Train Protection) System, which will help in avoiding train collisions thereby reducing accidents and ensuring passenger safety.

“It brings a strategic shift in Railways’ operations and maintenance regime. It will help in improving the safety and increasing the line capacity to accommodate more trains using the existing infrastructure. The modern rail network will result in reduced transportation cost and higher efficiency. Also, it will attract multinational industries to set up manufacturing units to fulfill the ‘Make in India’ mission and generate employment,” said an official statement.

The government said that the spectrum charges may be levied based on formula basis as prescribed by Department of Telecommunications for Royalty Charges and License Fee for Captive use as recommended by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

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