DMRC and BEL collaborate to revolutionize Metro Railways with indigenous i-CBTC System

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to spearhead the development of an indigenous Communication-Based Train Control system, known as i-CBTC. This historic partnership is poised to bring about a transformative era in Indian rail transportation, boasting innovation, cost reduction, and fostering self-sufficiency in train control signaling systems.

At a formal ceremony attended by key figures including Arun Kumar, Advisor/S&T/Co-ordination of DMRC, and Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) of BEL, the MOU was exchanged, all under the watchful eye of Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, B.P. Srivastava, Chairman and Managing Director, BEL, and other distinguished officials. This groundbreaking collaboration aligns seamlessly with the 'Make in India' initiative, a flagship program championed by the Government of India, through the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

The i-CBTC initiative marks a monumental leap forward for the Delhi Metro system. By embracing the cutting-edge Communication-Based Train Control System (CBTC), a technology widely adopted by renowned metro networks worldwide, DMRC is poised to optimize train operations, augment service frequency, and elevate passenger experiences, all while maximizing the efficiency of rail infrastructure.

Notably, DMRC has already demonstrated its commitment to innovation by deploying the indigenous Automatic Train Supervision System (i-ATS) on the Red Line earlier this year, tailor-made to suit Indian operating conditions. The development of i-CBTC signifies a significant stride towards self-reliance in Metro Signaling & Train Control Systems, thereby reducing reliance on foreign vendors and advancing indigenization and standardization efforts.

This ambitious endeavor is driven by a dedicated team of 50 engineers from DMRC and BEL, possessing expertise in Signaling Technology, Software Development, Hardware Development, Safety Processes, RAMS, Testing, and more. The team has commenced work at the i-CBTC lab of DMRC and is on track to develop and deploy the Prototype i-CBTC Product on a designated test track within the expansive DMRC network.