'One can expect Wi-Fi on Indian trains to be launched any time before mid April'

What are the technical requirements for setting up Wi-Fi on trains?

The technical requirements have been finalized by Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) of the Indian Railways after extensive trials. Techno Sat Comm India (TSCL) had proposed to the Indian Railways for the provision of multimedia entertainment and Wi-Fi internet on trains using satellite solution in the year 2007.

In the year 2008, the railway board in consultation with RDSO ordered trial by TSCL on Mumbai - Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express. TSCL performed successful trials duly monitored by RDSO. After extensive and successful trials, RDSO approved technology and drafted specifications and standards for Wi-Fi on trains.

What are the challenges associated with this kind of deployments?

The biggest challenge is to research and develop technology to suit Indian terrain and conditions. Wi-Fi on trains is being deployed all over the world but we cannot compare conditions in Europe or the US (where Wi-Fi is being adopted on all major railroads) with India. In fact, one has to develop a solution which works successfully in India. The other major area of challenge is to develop cost-effective technology complying with statutory and regulatory requirements in India.

 

How are you positioned to offer these services?

We made our first presentation to the Indian Railways in the year 2007. We were first to be allowed trials by the Indian Railways. We conducted extensive trials duly monitored by RDSO. As you must be aware RDSO is a thoroughly professional organization demanding exacting standards. Based on these extensive trials RDSO finalised the specifications. A tender for pilot project was floated by the Indian Railways and we were awarded this pilot project on merit basis on competitive bidding.

Do you have previous experience in this kind of deployments and where, if any?

For this project, Techno Sat Comm is working in a JV with 21 Net. While solution offered in India is designed to satisfy Indian terrain, statutory and regulatory requirements, basic satellite technology is same which has been deployed world over in more than 100 trains across 7 different railways like Thaly (service provided jointly by the Belgian, French, Dutch, and German railways), SNCF - France, NTV- Italy, and Ranfe-Spain.

Have you already bagged the project? If yes, what is the cost of the project?

As of now only announcement and budget provisions have been made. The next step will be decided by the Indian Railway as to on which trains they wish to offer Wi-Fi. After that tenders will be floated and awarded on merit. Due to differing terrain conditions, each train will need specialised solution. Since details are yet to be made public by the Indian Railways it will be difficult to work out estimated cost.

When will be the service ready from your end? And what is the plan of the government to launch this service?

Tenders for project announced in the budget are yet to be floated hence there is no question of service being ready, etc. However pilot project executed by us is now ready to be launched. I think one can expect this service to be launched for public any time before mid April, however the decision rests with the Indian Railway.

Which are the trains that will have these services and on which routes?

Pilot Project executed by us which is to be launched shortly is on Howrah - New Delhi Rajdhani Express. The Indian Railways has not yet made public its decision on further trains. However it will be reasonable and safe to assume that this will be replicated in major express trains like Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/ Duranto.

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