Indian Railways is actively working on installing RTIS devices on all locomotives to leverage real-time data
IndiGlobal Bureau
The Indian Railways has opted for the Internet of Things (IoT) to enhance the operation of their train services. The Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS), utilizes GPS sensors mounted on locomotives to monitor the exact location of trains in real time.
By equipping approximately 50% of Indian Railways locomotives with RTIS/ REMMLOT devices, a staggering 14 million “events” are generated each day. To enhance train operations, Indian Railways is actively working on installing RTIS devices on all locomotives to leverage real-time data. This endeavor involves harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the accuracy of estimated time of arrivals (ETAs) for trains, streamline locomotive entry and exit processes, optimize the placement and removal of goods trains in goods sidings, and improve train rescheduling.
Indian Railways has implemented the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate the generation of train arrival and departure information. The manual process of charting running trains is expected to be replaced by the Control Office Application (COA). As part of the Real-Time Train Information System (RTIS) project, around 2,700 electric locomotives on the Indian Railways network have been equipped with satellite devices.
The RTIS locomotive device consists of two components: the indoor unit, installed in the locomotive cabin, and the outdoor unit, mounted on the locomotive roof. These components work together to form the RTIS locomotive device. By continuously receiving spatial coordinates and speed data from the satellite receiver, the RTIS application software within the locomotive’s device applies predefined logic to determine various train movement events, such as arrivals, departures, and run-throughs (ADR) at stations, as well as location updates along the route at 30-second intervals.
Railway digitisation encompasses various advancements and technologies, including:
- Implementation of B-scan ultrasonic rail flaw detection systems (both non-stop and stop-and-verify) and track inspection conducted by automated high-speed test trains.
- Integration of train control systems at levels 2 & 3 on high-density routes to enhance network capacity while maintaining safety standards.
- Enhanced monitoring of personnel through the utilisation of locomotive-mounted video surveillance systems, both inside and outside the train.
- Adoption of track-laying machines to mechanise construction processes.
- Electrification initiatives facilitated by self-propelled overhead electrification laying trains.
- Introduction of complete train scanners to enhance diagnostics and maintenance procedures.
- Implementation of distributed power systems to optimise train operations by coordinating acceleration and deceleration.
- Establishment of smart railway stations by incorporating access control measures at entry points.
- Implementation of e-ticketing systems with additional features like infotainment and app-based services.
- Utilisation of training simulators and Virtual Reality (VR) training systems to enhance personnel capabilities.
These measures aim to modernise and improve railway operations through the integration of digital technologies and innovative solutions.