COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUTURE: "Every component of the system will talk to other components"

Satish Kumar, director (signaling and telecom), DMRC, is spearheading the
implementation of Delhi Metro’s communication infrastructure in association
with Alcatel and Alstom. DMRC’s network boasts of the state-of-the-art
telecom, signaling equipment, and network management system based on proven
technology. The first section between Shahadra and Tis Hazari will be flagged
off in December 2002. Excerpts from an exclusive with Kumar:

What were the important considerations that were kept in mind when the
initial plans for the communication network were being discussed?

DMRC’s network requirements that were considered included the communication of
voice and data from operational control center (OCC) to the stations, train
monitoring and control equipment, passenger flow, train movement, and fare
collection. Mobile communication for the trains as well as for the operation and
maintenance staff were also considered. Other main requirements for network
planning were reliability, maintainability, and economic system.

What are the communication objectives that DMRC sets out to achieve?

The major objective that DMRC sets out to achieve is to provide reliable
communication through proven technology, to ensure regular train operations.
Every component of the communication infrastructure will talk to each other.

What are the different core components of the communication system that
have been installed?

The major core components of the communication system that have been
installed are fiber optics system, train, radio system, public address system,
passenger information display system (PIDS) at various stations, master clock
system, telephone exchanges at various stations, CCTV system, and NP-SCADA
system.

In the multi-vendor scenario, what were the challenges faced in the
integration process?

Till now, this problem has not arisen, since we have a new system and all
sub-systems are from the same vendor. Both hardware and software links in all
the sub-systems were planned, discussed and matched with subcontractors,
contractors and vendors, so as to arrive at a cohesive design.

What is so unique about DMRC’s communication network as compared to the
Kolkata Metro?

The DMRC’s communication network is based on the new technology. The train
radio is using minimum frequencies for various channels, as it is based on the
TDMA technology. Similarly, the fiber-optic transmission has the capability of
transmitting higher bandwidth.

What communication services have been provided in case of an emergency?

In emergency situations, communication in the Rail Corridor will be through
a hand portable radio and a train radio mounted on the train. For underground
system, emergency telephone is provided in the cross passage of tunnels. Also,
in emergency situations, passengers can directly communicate with the driver or
inform the OCC.

Tell us about smart card-based ticketing system...

The automatic fare-collection system being installed uses contact-less smart
cards. These smart cards have a CPU and a memory of about 1 kB. These cards will
be used as store value cards, while for occasional journey, single journey
tokens will be available.

Sudesh Prasad