Modern Tunnel Communication System For Kashmir Rail Link Project

An integrated tunnel communication system will be installed at an estimated cost of Rs 210.77 crore in the Dharam-Banihal section of the Jammu and Kashmir Rail Link Project to boost safety of train operations.

The communication technology being used in the project is a first for Indian Railways. The crucial project is expected to connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of the country.

RailTel, a public sector undertaking of the railways, has bagged the contract for installing state-of-the-art integrated tunnel communication system in Dharam-Banihal section.

The job contract includes design, supply, testing and commissioning of tunnel communication system consisting of emergency call and service telephone, CCTV, tunnel radio and public address system in tunnel environment.

RailTel has the expertise to execute such high-tech modern projects for improving train operation as well as safety.

This section is a part of Katra-Banihal section of Firozpur Division of Northern Railway where railway connectivity work is going on in full swing.

On this particular section of Dharam-Banihal, IRCON International Ltd, another PSU of the railways is executing the project.

In the Katra-Dharam corridor, which is part of the Katra-Banihal section, the rail connectivity project is being executed by another railway PSU — Konkan Railway Corporation.

Earlier, last month, RailTel also bagged the order for installing integrated tunnel communication project costing Rs 86.90 crore from Konkan Railway Corporation for the Katra-Dharam section.

Therefore, RailTel has now been entrusted with the implementation of the tunnel communication project for the entire Katra-Banihal section at a total cost of Rs 297.67 crore.

With this order, RailTel now has a total of five such projects for implementation of Indian Railways at a total cost of Rs 350 crore, which are Katra-Banihal section of Northern Railway, Panvel-Karjat, Karjat-Lonavala and Kasara-Igatpuri section of Central Railway and Castle Rock-Kulem section (Braganza Ghat) of South Western Railway.

Communication inside the tunnels is interrupted due to poor signal coverage, which can hamper train operation and maintenance activities.

This state-of-the-art integrated tunnel communication system is designed to provide uninterrupted radio communication between handheld radios inside the tunnel, to the base station at tunnel control rooms and station masters of adjacent stations.

The handheld devices are provided to staff involved in construction/maintenance activities and train operations. The communication of all channels in the tunnel is independent, simultaneous and failure-free.

Completion of this work will ensure safe and smooth running of trains inside the tunnels on, undoubtedly, one of the most difficult terrains of Indian Railways.

This tunnel communication project will achieve continuous coverage over the entire length of the tunnel, clear audio throughout with no interference, reliable system operation under harsh tunnel environmental conditions, trunked radio channels across many bands and ease of system operation and maintenance.

The 272 km long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link which is also known as Kashmir rail link project is being implemented as a national project.

Currently, the sections from Jammu to Katra and Banihal to Baramulla have been built and are operational. The remaining intervening track from Katra to Banihal is under execution and is targeted for completion by next year.

The 111 km long Katra-Banihal section consists of 97 km tunnels. Hence, the most effective and efficient tunnel communication is very crucial for the successful and smooth train operation on this section.

The famous Chenab bridge, the tallest bridge in the world, is also being built on this Katra-Banihal section.