Nokia announced that it has successfully completed testing of voice and data call, over the first 4.9G/LTE private wireless network to support European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 Signaling, for phase 1 of NCRTC’s Regional Rapid Transit System.

The project, covering approximately 51 miles of rail route with 25 stations between Delhi and Meerut, will be implemented in four stages and will be completed by 2025.

For 4.9G/LTE, its ability to support advanced broadband applications makes it the technology of choice to support mission-critical voice signalling. This is the application of an LTE network that is being used along with ETCS Level 2 signalling to provide high-speed, high-reliability commuter service. In addition, ETCS Level 2 based system allows trains to report their precise location in real-time which will further help to send alerts to the commuters by sharing the trains' exact location and decrease the waiting time at the train stations. 

“We are pleased to work with Nokia on this exciting project for NCRTC to provide high-speed connectivity between New Delhi and Meerut," said Thameem Kamaldeen, signalling director, at Alstom India. "The initiative will significantly transform the region by opening new opportunities for citizens while providing a sustainable and safer travel option for them.”

As part of the agreement, Nokia will provide Nokia Evolved Packet Core (EPC), Compact Mobile Unit (CMU), NetAct, Network Services Platform (NSP), installation and commissioning services, and integration services. Nokia will also deliver Operation Control Center (OCC) and Back-up Control Center (BCC) to ensure transition to operations.

Nokia is partnering with Alstom for implementing this private network.