NCRTC seeks bids for stable Delhi-Meerut RRTS mobile network

The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) announced that they had initiated a tender process to enhance mobile network connectivity for train commuters traveling on the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS Corridor. They explained that this included the allocation of licensing space for in-building solutions (IBS) to facilitate shared mobile coverage within the corridor's underground section. They pointed out that the corridor had a 12-kilometre underground segment, which consisted of a 5-kilometre tunnel section featuring one underground station at Anand Vihar, Delhi, and a 7-kilometre tunnel section housing three underground stations, namely, Meerut Central, Bhaisali, and Begumpul in Meerut. The motivation behind this initiative was to address the common issue faced by commuters in existing urban transportation systems, specifically, the problem of disrupted or nonexistent mobile network coverage in underground sections. They emphasised that, unlike elevated sections where coverage was ensured by established telecom infrastructure, underground areas often suffered from connectivity problems. They expressed their aim to ensure that passengers using the Rapidx train services did not encounter similar challenges. As per the tender invitation, they stated that a single neutral host provider would be responsible for delivering IBS through common infrastructure for all existing and future mobile operators. They clarified that this approach was intended to streamline the ability of mobile operators to serve their customers effectively. They also highlighted that the chosen provider would offer shared solutions that catered to various types of telecom operators and their respective technologies, including GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G. They stressed that this initiative by NCRTC was geared towards ensuring uninterrupted mobile services for commuters within the tunnels connecting underground stations and at the stations themselves. Also read: Kanpur Metro's TBM 'Nana' achieves third major breakthroughRB clears 2 infra proiects of 12 cr for Sambalpur, Balasore