With CBTC, the headway will be reduced up till 2 minutes thus improving speed of trains
The first step towards implementing better signalling system for Mumbai's lifeline has been initiated. The Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation has started the process of studying Communication Based Train Control System (CBTC) for suburban local trains that has got approval from the Railway Ministry.
The MRVC will soon appoint consultants for studying the CBTC system which is the first and foremost part. "We will be appointing consultancy firm that will study CBTC within six months of being appointed. Even the existing rakes will be merged with this new signalling system," said an official from MRVC.
The CBTC would cost Rs 5,928 crore which shall be implemented in all three corridors, the Main and Harbour lines on Central Railway and Western Railway. It has been proposed on all railway sections namely on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Panvel on Harbour line, CSMT-Kalyan section (on both slow and fast lines) and Churchgate-Virar section (on both slow and fast lines).
In CBTC, there wouldn't be any need for a fixed physical signal pole as it would be installed inside the rake itself. This would enable trains to move faster and reduce headway between two trains to mere two minutes. The CBTC system with advanced technology is being introduced in order to provide Platform Screen Doors (PSD), similar to one used in Metro rail.
The move will reduce cases of trespass at railway stations. Also, the CBTC system is likely to reduce headway of the local trains. At present, the headway between local trains is up to 4 minutes. With CBTC, the headway will be reduced up till 2 minutes thus improving speed of trains and chance to introduce more services.
At present, signal systems are fitted in tracks which send signal the poles whenever a train passes and the pole flashes red, yellow, double yellow and green depending on the distance of train on a stretch. The phase 3A of MUTP was approved in March by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs at cost of Rs 33690 crore.
THE PLAN
- Rs 5,928 crore – The cost of CBTC which shall be implemented in all three corridors, the Main and Harbour lines on Central Railway and Western Railway.
- This would enable trains to move faster and reduce headway between two trains to mere 2 minutes. At present, the headway between local trains is up to 4 minutes.
- At present, signal systems are fitted in tracks which send signal the poles whenever a train passes and the pole flashes red, yellow, double yellow and green depending on the distance of train on a stretch
- Rs 33690 crore – The cost approved for the phase 3-A of MUTP in March by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
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