Delhi Metro and BEL collaborate on innovative train control system

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Bharat Electronics (BEL) announced a collaborative effort to develop an indigenous Communication-Based Train Control (i-CBTC) system, according to officials. The initiative is currently underway at the i-CBTC laboratory of DMRC, and a prototype i-CBTC product will soon be created and tested on a designated track within the DMRC network.This partnership marks a significant milestone for rail transportation in India, as it promises to drive innovation, reduce costs, and promote self-sufficiency in the field of train control signalling systems, as stated by DMRC. The Managing Director of DMRC, Vikas Kumar, presided over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.The statement also underlines the alignment of this ground-breaking partnership with the 'Make in India' initiative, spearheaded by the Government of India under the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.For the Delhi Metro, the i-CBTC project signifies a major advancement. Embracing this state-of-the-art Communication-Based Train Control System, which is widely adopted by leading metro systems globally, is expected to optimise train operations, increase service frequency, and enhance passenger experiences while effectively utilising rail infrastructure, according to officials. This collaborative effort aims to usher in a new era of rail transportation excellence in India.