4G SPECTRUM FOR RAILWAYS TO UPGRADE SIGNALS

NEW DELHI : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday allotted 4G spectrum to Indian Railways, a step that will enable the country’s largest mass transport system to switch from its current 2G data network, leading to better communications and operational safety, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The railways has been allotted five megahertz (a measure of radio frequency) of 4G spectrum, and will spend ₹25,000 crore over the next five years, almost equally split between upgrading signalling systems and 4G infrastructure.

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday allotted 4G spectrum to Indian Railways, a step that will enable the country’s largest mass transport system to switch from its current 2G data network, leading to better communications and operational safety, information and broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said.

The railways has been allotted five megahertz (a measure of radio frequency) of 4G spectrum, and will spend Rs 25,000 crore over the next five years, almost equally split between upgrading signalling systems and 4G infrastructure.

The railways’ critical communications and signalling systems rely on data networks. A switch to 4G will enable real-time and faster operation of communication systems because it will boost bandwidth and other technical parameters.

According to an official statement, the shift will ensure “seamless communication between loco pilots and guards”.

It will also enable Internet of things-based remote monitoring of coaches, wagons, and locomotives. The allotment of 4G spectrum will help the railways provide LTE or long-term evolutionbased mobile train radio communication. “The modern rail network will result in reduced transportation cost and higher efficiency. Also, it will attract multinational industries to set up manufacturing units to fulfil the ‘Make in India’ mission and generate employment,” the rail ministry said. HTC