RailTel wins Rs 668 mn contract for Tunnel Communication System

25 Dec 2023 CW Team

The PSU highlighted that inadequate signal coverage disrupts communication within tunnels, posing a potential threat to train operations and maintenance activities. The Integrated Tunnel Communication system has been specifically designed to ensure seamless radio communication between handheld radios within the tunnel, the base station at tunnel control rooms, and station masters at adjacent stations.

Emphasising the importance of the project, RailTel stated that the primary goal is to establish continuous coverage throughout the entire length of the tunnel, guaranteeing clear audio transmission without interference. The system is engineered to operate reliably in the challenging environmental conditions within the tunnel, providing trunked radio channels across various bands. Additionally, the user-friendly operation and maintenance of the system contribute to creating a streamlined and efficient communication infrastructure within the tunnels.

The Bhairabi-Sairang new line project is acknowledged as one of the most challenging sections due to issues such as road accessibility, material shortages, high transportation costs, and difficult terrain. The project encompasses the supply and installation of IT data networking infrastructure, Public Address (PA) systems, Emergency/SOS Call Points, and an IP-based CCTV Surveillance System. Furthermore, the scope of work includes the design, supply, installation, wiring, testing, and commissioning of an integrated communication system VHF (Simplex) and backbone network for smart facilities, along with an Emergency Communication System.

RailTel, a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways, has secured a Rs 668.3 million contract for the provision, installation, testing, and commissioning of an Integrated Tunnel Communication system, Emergency Call Arrangements in tunnels, and an Integrated Passenger Information System (IPIS) at stations in the Bhairabi-Sairang new single line section of the Lumding Division of the North East Frontier Railway. The PSU highlighted that inadequate signal coverage disrupts communication within tunnels, posing a potential threat to train operations and maintenance activities. The Integrated Tunnel Communication system has been specifically designed to ensure seamless radio communication between handheld radios within the tunnel, the base station at tunnel control rooms, and station masters at adjacent stations. Emphasising the importance of the project, RailTel stated that the primary goal is to establish continuous coverage throughout the entire length of the tunnel, guaranteeing clear audio transmission without interference. The system is engineered to operate reliably in the challenging environmental conditions within the tunnel, providing trunked radio channels across various bands. Additionally, the user-friendly operation and maintenance of the system contribute to creating a streamlined and efficient communication infrastructure within the tunnels. The Bhairabi-Sairang new line project is acknowledged as one of the most challenging sections due to issues such as road accessibility, material shortages, high transportation costs, and difficult terrain. The project encompasses the supply and installation of IT data networking infrastructure, Public Address (PA) systems, Emergency/SOS Call Points, and an IP-based CCTV Surveillance System. Furthermore, the scope of work includes the design, supply, installation, wiring, testing, and commissioning of an integrated communication system VHF (Simplex) and backbone network for smart facilities, along with an Emergency Communication System.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Second Mountain Tunnel Breakthrough in Palghar Advances High Speed Rail

The Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail (MAHSR) project reached a milestone with the breakthrough of a mountain tunnel in Palghar, Maharashtra. Mountain tunnel MT-six measures 454 metres long and 14.4 metres wide and will accommodate up and down tracks. The breakthrough follows MT-five near Saphale on second January 2026 and the MT-six excavation was completed from both ends using the New Austrian Tunnelling Method. The ministry reported that the tunnelling was completed within 12 months. The New Austrian Tunnelling Method is favoured for its flexibility in complex geology and irregular tunnel s..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Modi Government Pushes Atmanirbhar Container Drive With BCSL MoU

The Union Government advanced a plan to create an integrated, domestically anchored container ecosystem with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to establish the Bharat Container Shipping Line (BCSL). The MoU was signed by key agencies including the Shipping Corporation of India and Container Corporation of India alongside major port authorities and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in the presence of senior ministers. The initiative aligns with the Container Manufacturing Assistance Scheme announced in the Union Budget 2026–2..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Ministry Reports Gains In Mobility For Marginalised Communities

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing skill development, education and rehabilitation schemes to promote socio-economic mobility and sustainable livelihoods for marginalised and disadvantaged communities across the country. Programmes target Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Weaker Sections, De-notified Tribes and Safai Karamcharis through specialised implementing corporations and empanelled training institutes. Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi Yojana, or PM-DAKSH, provided skill training and placement support through the Nati..