TETRA  |  2014-07-08

DAMM wins Western Railway upgrade and continues the success with public transportation in Mumbai

Source: MCCResources

The Danish company once again became the choice for the Western Railway in Mumbai in February 2014 for upgrading of its current Trunked Communication System from Analogue to TETRA.

In 2010, Mumbai Monorail secured its communication needs with DAMM TetraFlex® solution, delivering critical communication covering 2 lines, 19 km and 17 stations. Having proved its success with TetraFlex®, DAMM once again became the choice for the Western Railway in Mumbai in February 2014 for upgrading of its current Trunked Communication System from Analogue to TETRA for the Churchgate – Virar Section of approximately 70 Km and 28 stations.

The challenge:
Mumbai is the most populous city in India, and has a severe need for alternate public transportation. The Western Railway has been accommodating approximately 4 Million passengers per day. However, even with the current 1300 runs each day, the Western Railway is the most overcrowded rail network in the world. Therefore, in 2007, the Mumbai Government decided to introduce Monorail and Metro in Mumbai. A communication system was chosen based on proven technology – TETRA, the support of Voice and Data and most importantly a scalable, future proof solution.

The solution:
DAMM TetraFlex® had already proven its worth in Mumbai Monorail, delivering integrated solutions based on a true IP backbone. A unique TETRA Voice & Data Network was deployed utilising the intelligent IP-based world of Critical Radio and Broadband Communication with DAMM TetraFlex®. With customer requirements for easy deployment, integration to other sub systems and multiple levels of redundancy, DAMM TetraFlex® was the chosen solution.

Proven track record:
TETRA voice & Data network for Mumbai Monorail
In February 2014, DAMM’s Partner in India, Consort Digital, won the contract for Western Railway. As an established TETRA system integrator, Consort Digital has extensive experience with the successful deployment of TETRA voice & Data network for Mumbai Monorail.

The TETRA Network for Mumbai Monorail comprises of 4 sites that provides reliable coverage over the 19 Km. Network Management and Dispatching Applications are provided at the Operational Control Centre. In addition to the standard voice communication by trains, controllers and supporting staff, integration to the Wayside and Onboard communication systems was a key requirement of the customer. Flexible and versatile TetraFlex® API allows easy integration to the Signalling System, Public Address System, Passenger Information System, Help Point System and Central Voice Recording System.

Devdarsh Jain, Director Marketing at Consort Digital: The main challenge in both cases is to secure a future-proof solution both financially and in terms of technology. DAMM TetraFlex® also provides an excellent interface for integration to other sub-systems such as Public Announcement, Passenger Information and Signalling System which is a key requirement in public transportation. On the operational aspect securing operational stability with multiple levels of redundancy, and meeting the challenge of less space for deployment all points to a DAMM TetraFlex® solution.