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 Urban

11 Mar 2026

India Expands Semiconductor Training To 500 Institutions

Under the Chips to Startups programme of the India Semiconductor Mission, the Union minister responsible for Railways, Information and Broadcasting, and Electronics and IT reported notable progress in talent development. He indicated that over the past four years substantial steps have been taken towards a 10-year target of training 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design. World-class EDA tools have been deployed in 315 academic institutions across the country to provide students with practical exposure to chip design. These EDA tools are supported by leading global firms and are accessible t..

Infrastructure Urban

11 Mar 2026

Delhi Institutions Support India Semiconductor Mission

The Government of India has prioritised talent development through training, upskilling and workforce development under the Chips to Startups initiative of the India Semiconductor Mission, with officials noting progress in four years towards a 10-year target of training 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design. Electronic design automation tools provided by Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, Renesas, Ansys and AMD have been deployed in 315 academic institutions, enabling students to gain practical chip design experience. Chips have been fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory, Mohali, a..

Infrastructure Urban

11 Mar 2026

NHA Announces Winners Of NHCX Hackathon At IIT Hyderabad

The National Health Authority (NHA) has concluded the NHCX Hackathon under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) to stimulate innovation around the National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX). The winning teams presented their solutions at the NHCX Innovation Meet held at IIT Hyderabad during a two-day event in March 2026 that also served as the hackathon grand finale. The hackathon itself ran from 22 to 28 February 2026 and aimed to accelerate paperless, transparent claims processing across India. The event was organised with a range of ecosystem partners, including the Insurance Regulatory a..