The government has approved the allocation of 5MHz spectrum in the 700MHz (4G) band to Indian Railways to improve its communication and signalling systems, Union minister Prakash Javadekar said after a cabinet meeting.
The project will improve the safety of passengers on the transport network. The railways at present rely on optical fibre for its communication network but with the allocation of fresh spectrum, it will be able to use high-speed radio on a real-time basis.
The spectrum from the government will be used in a five-year project to upgrade 34000km of tracks, with Rs 12,000 crore to be invested in signalling systems and another Rs 12,000 crore in infrastructure for the 4G spectrum.
Tony Verghese, partner, J Sagar Associates, said the government has accepted a recommendation of the telecom regulator in 2019 to provide spectrum to the railways. “The Wi-Fi enhancement capabilities for end customers will not be a focus for now. However, the implementation of safer and faster journeys will result in increased revenues.”
The spectrum will be used for modern signalling and train protection systems and ensure seamless communication between loco-pilots and guards.
