Nokia has announced that it has successfully completed testing of voice and data calls over what it says is the world’s first 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 Signalling.
The testing was part of phase 1 of the Regional Rapid Transit System project from National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture company of the government of India and the states of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
The project, covering an 82 km rail route with 25 stations between Delhi and Meerut, will be implemented in four stages and will be completed by 2025.
Nokia says that 4.9G/LTE’s ability to support advanced broadband applications makes it the technology of choice to support mission-critical voice signalling. This is described as a world-first application of an LTE network being used along with ETCS Level 2 signalling to provide high-speed, high-reliability commuter service.
The ETCS Level 2 based system allows trains to report their precise location in real time, useful for letting commuters know a train’s exact location and decreasing waiting time at stations.
As part of the agreement, Nokia will provide Nokia Evolved Packet Core (EPC), Compact Mobile Unit (CMU), NetAct, Network Services Platform (NSP), installation and commissioning services and integration services. Nokia will also deliver Operation Control Centre (OCC) and Back-up Control Centre (BCC) to ensure seamless operations.
This announcement follows January’s news from Nokia that it was working with Alstom to deliver this private wireless network for the NCRTC RRTS.
The Delhi to Meerut RRTS is an early part of a phased development of a high-speed rail network that aims to enable sustainable economic and social development through enhanced connectivity in Delhi and the surrounding districts.
The low-emission RRTS will transport more people at average speeds of 100 kmph with the aim of reducing travel time and road congestion.
