PUNE (Metro Rail News): The Pune Metro has installed a Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) signaling system for the safety of both passengers and trains. It will be feasible to run a train every two minutes with this technology while keeping a safe distance between each train.
Information regarding the precise location of the train will be transmitted to all Zonal Control Centres and TCMS systems of all trains through the radio unit located on the side of the tracks.
Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director, Brijesh Dixit said, “In CBTC system, the position, speed, location, timing and other important information of the train will be continuously communicated and updated by the on-board computer on the train, Train Control and Management System (TCMS) with other trains running on the tracks and Zonal Control Centre through radio communication.”
A Metro official said, “The information of a train will be continuously received by the train running ahead and the train running behind it. As a result of such features two trains can never approach or hit each other. If for some reason a train stops, the train behind it will automatically stop at a safe distance.”
The official added, “The signaling and train control system in Pune Metro will be software-based. For its testing calibration and validity, the work of low-speed and high-speed train trials and multiple train trials are being done in Vanaz and Nal stop sections. In the trial, three trains run simultaneously.”
Dixit added, “CBTC’s high-speed train trial is an important step towards the completion of Pune Metro. In a few months, Pune Metro will be operational from Garware College and Phugewadi to Civil Court. The safety and security of the commuters are of utmost importance and therefore CBTC and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) systems have been chosen for Pune Metro”.
The trial’s objective is to determine whether a train’s information is correctly communicated to and received by the trains moving in front and behind it. The trials that have been run thus far have been satisfactory.
