India`s first CBTC metro system |
The installation of signalling and telecommunication (S&T) equipment to enable India`s first communication-based train control (CBTC) system is in the last lap on the Kochi metro`s 13-km Aluva-Palarivattom corridor, which is expected to be commissioned in April 2017. The signal system will be in place in another 10 days, while the communication equipment is being fine-tuned to be made operational by early March. Signals have a limited role to play in CBTC since the precise position of trains is relayed to the metro`s operation control centre (OCC) at Muttom by ‘beacons` along the corridor. The computerised OCC monitors and controls all train movements, DMRC sources said.Once commissioned, trains will be operated every 10 minutes. Low-speed trials of a train laden with sand bags are over. Moreover, multiple signal trials were conducted, followed by trial of coaches. The procedure will continue at higher speeds in the coming weeks till the design speed of 80 kmph is attained. The second train too will join in by the end of this month. The third and fourth trains will subsequently join them for integrated trials slated for early March. Integrated trials are crucial to the testing of the CBTC system since its foolproof operation has a direct bearing on safe running of trains.
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