Nokia Siemens Networks has implemented GSM Railways (GSM-R) communications solution under the Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) project for North Central Railways. The solution replaces earlier communication methods with a single streamlined digital radio system, which directly carries the signalling and operational information between the moving train driver, guard and train controller on ground. The Railway Vantage Intelligent Network (IN) software allows the train controller and the driver/guard to contact each other even without knowing mobile numbers or location of the locomotive.

Under this project, Nokia Siemens Networks supplied an end-to-end GSM-R radio solution, including switching, base stations and controllers, cab radios and hand held devices. To ensure network efficiency and stability, Nokia Siemens will also provide a broad range of services including network design, installation and commissioning, project management, training, operations and maintenance, network integration and as well as management of the network for one year.

"We are very proud to have implemented the first GSM-R based signalling solution in India. GSM-R is the basis on which the future signalling and communication needs of Indian Railways will be built," said Michael Kuehner, Head, Sub-region India, Nokia Siemens Networks.

The solution has currently been deployed on a 270 kilometer stretch between Mathura and Jhansi under North central railways, and was inaugurated by K C Jena, Chairman, Railway Board, in Agra last week. "By 2012, a railway is likely to handle double the traffic volumes currently handled. Indian Railways has chalked out a well-planned strategy to remove bottlenecks and augment capacity to match the requirement. I also appreciate the fact that Nokia Siemens Networks has come up to the expectations of Indian Railways and has been able to speedily ramp up software and hardware requirements suggested by us," Jena said.

In India, Nokia Siemens Networks is currently implementing GRM-R solution for the Northern Railway, North Frontier Railway and East Central Railway.