A Technical Seminar Report

On

MOBILE TRAIN RADIO COMMUNICATION

Submitted
By
D.NAGA DIVYA
(172N1A0415)
IV B.Tech.
2020-2021

Department of Electronics & Communication Engineering

BRINDAVAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE
(Approved by AICTE & Affiliated to JNTUA)
N.H -7, Peddatekur, Kurnool-518218
ABSRACT

The Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) system is a dynamic and

technologically avent –grade system based on the “Global System for Mobile
Communication-Railways (GSM-R)”. It can play an intrinsic role in abbreviating trains
accidents by aiding effective communication.. Presently, India has the dubious distinction of
recording an exponential number of train accidents as compared to its other developed
counterparts. Though, no accident is completely avoidable, what can be done is to develop a
certain technologically advanced machinery which can scale down the prospects of such
accidents and expedite Disaster Management in case of any mishap. This would help to curtail
the damage to life and property. The “Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) “system
is a dynamic and technologically avant-garde system based on the “Global System for Mobile
Communication-Railways (GSM-R)” technology and it can play an intrinsic role in
abbreviating train accidents by aiding effective communication. MTRC system provides for
an instant and constant communication between the train crew, station master and control
centre. It can connects the calls in 300 milliseconds with single dial. India has the best of
resources and technical minds available, through which it can move ahead of its other
developed counterparts. As life is very precious, a major requirement of the present is to
switch over to the “MTRC” system at the earliest. The railway accidents over the past decade
cannot be neglected and the unfortunate events cannot be entirely reasoned as an event
occurring out of chance. Trains are merely machines running on railway tracks and they
cannot think of how to avoid accidents on their own. It is up to the human beings to design
and use an efficient system which can help the train driver and the station master to know
about the possibility of any untoward hazard beforehand by developing effective
communication between the concerned officials.

I
 INDEX
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NAME OF CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ABSTRACT i
LIST OF FIGURE iii
CHAPTER -1 1
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Mobile radio 1
1.2 Working of mobile radio 2
1.3 Need of mobile radio 2
CHAPTER-2 3
2. OVERVIEW OF MTRC SYSTEM
CHAPTER-3 4
3. THEME OF MTRC SYSTEM
CHAPTER-4 5
4. AIM AND OBJECTIVES
CHAPTER-5 6
5. CONCEPT OF MTRC SYSTEM
5.1 Technology used in MTRC 6
5.2 Features of MTRC system 6
CHAPTER-6 7
6. BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM
6.1 Onboard ATP system 8
6.2 Onboard ATO system 8
6.3 Wayside ATP system 8
6.4 Wayside ATO system 8
6.5 Communication system 9

II
6.6 ATS system 9
6.7 Interlocking system 9
CHAPTER-7 10
7. ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM
CHAPTER-8 13
8. ADVANTAGES
CHATER-9 14
9. NEED OF MTRC
CHAPTER-10 16
10. FEATURE OF MTRC
CHAPTER-11 17
11. RESULT
CHAPTER-12 18
12. CONCLUSION
CHATER-13 19
13. REFERENCES

III
 LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE NO. NAME OF THE FIGURE PAGE.NO

1.1 Block diagram of MTRC system 7
1.2 Architecture of MTRC system 10
1.3 Western railway MTRC system 15

IV
 INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER-1
1. INTRODUCTION

Mobile train radio communication is a technically advanced communication system. It

provides for an instant and constant interaction between the train crew, the station master and
the control centre. This system can connect the calls in 300 milliseconds which is the lowest
time used by any other system .This system has been introduced for the first time in India.
MTRC also acts in a similar way for the air traffic control (ATC) for aircrafts. The MTRC
system will help in tracking, monitoring and aiding to establish the communication between
trains and control room by using the train number and cab number code.

The system will ensure that there is smooth movements of rakes. It will also help in
preventing the adverse events .It will also help in providing the real time information
regarding the train operation during monsoon period. The MTRC system can be used to warn
the drivers as well as the concerned officials in case of any security problem ,concerned staff
can immediately intimate the concerned a security establishment.If any accident takes
place,the MTRC system will facilitate better post disaster management. In the present day,
railways need not just effective voice transmission,but also have the capability to analyse all
the technical data to arrive at the correct decision to be taken in the spot.

1.1 Mobile Radio

The mobile radio is a two-way communication gadget that operates through radio frequencies.
As such, the channel of information and messages in a mobile radio is variable. Used to be
known as radiophone, the earlier versions of the mobile radio, were one-way communication
systems used for broadcast. Contemporary mobile radio systems can have as much as a
hundred channels and may be controlled by microprocessors. These types require the use of
software to encode channels and operate their integrated functions. The mobile radio, also
known as a two-way radio system, allows the exchange of messages only with other mobile
radios through push-to-talk (PTT) functions. A mobile radio also features wireless

BITS-KNL 1 DEPT.OF ECE

 INTRODUCTION
transceivers, making mobile radios portable. Mobile radio systems may be used for
communications in aircraft, ships, automobiles, and other vehicles. The power supply on
which mobile radios run depend on the type of vehicle these are mounted on.
A mobile radio system is composed of a transceiver and microphone with a push-to-talk key.
It has an antenna that links to the transceiver. Since most types of mobile radio are used in
moving vehicles, where the surrounding noise can be loud, some mobile radio types come
with an external speaker. Other models have headsets and microphones with noise-reduction
capabilities.

1.2 Working of mobile radio

Most mobile radios operate on a single band of frequency. The radio transceiver contains
transmit and receive frequencies. Very high frequency (VHF) and ultra high frequency (UHF)
allow a mobile radio to operate on maximum coverage. This means that its average operating
range is from 150 to 470 MHz. To transmit a message, the PTT key must be pressed during
talk-time to allow the voice message to be dispatched by the sending party. During this period,
the sending party cannot hear or receive any incoming messages from the mobile radio. Once
the PTT button is released, the sender may hear the response of the receiving party.

1.3 Need of mobile radio

The use of mobile radio in transportation, security, and general operations makes
communication fast, efficient and safe. It allows control centers to monitor location of
vehicles and dispatch announcements to several receivers simultaneously. Additionally, the
range of its area coverage is very high and is not dependent on a cellular network, which may
fluctuate during emergency situations. Different types of mobile radio are portable and
capable of withstanding shock and severe weather conditions. Most countries impose certain
requirements on the manufacture, sale and use of two-radio systems. This helps ensure that the
communication gadget functions according to standards and that its use does not interfere with
other communication systems.

BITS-KNL 2 DEPT.OF ECE

 OVERVIEW OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-2

2. OVERVIEW OF MTRC SYSTEM

Indian Railways’ Western Railway zone has introduced a mobile train radio communication
(MTRC) system to facilitate direct and continuous communication between the train crew and
the control centre and station master. Through effective communication, this technologically
advanced system will help in averting train accidents. A senior railway official was quoted by
Livemint as saying: “This system uses the lowest time to connect calls i.e. 300 milliseconds and
it is the first time that MTRC is commissioned in India.“The MRTC acts in a similar way to that
of air traffic control (ATC) for aircraft. The system will monitor, track and aid in communication
between the trains and the control room thereby ensuring smooth movement of rakes, as well as
help in preventing adverse events.” This new communication system has already been deployed
in 105 rakes, operating between Churchgate to Virar over Mumbai’s suburban segment. The
current conventional VHF-based communication system, named Mobile and CUG, lacks the
capability of enabling interaction between the train crew and the controllers.

The new system can also provide real-time information on train operation during the monsoon
season. The integration will allow controllers to connect with the driver and guard via train
number and cab number code. Based on Terrestrial Trunk Radio (TETRA) technology, the
system uses TDMA on air interface and IP-based network architecture, along with Distributed
Switching Architecture. The technology also features single-touch dialling, as well as emergency
and broadcast calling capabilities. Instances of trespassing and knockdowns can also be
communicated instantly on notice, which can save lives and regulate trains, thereby minimising
detentions of other trains.

BITS-KNL 3 DEPT.OF ECE

 THEME OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-3

3. THEME OF MTRC SYSTEM

Life is more precious than anything. There are lot of people who loses there lives due to
accedents. Though , no accedent is completely avoidable but we can scale down the perspects
of such accedents.MTRC system would help to curtail the damage of life and property.
MTRC system used reduce the train accidents by providing effective communication. system
The system will monitor, track and aid in communication between the trains and the control
room.

BITS-KNL 4 DEPT.OF ECE

 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

CHAPTER-4
4. AIM

The main aim of this MTRC system is to increase capacity by reducing that time interval
between train traveling along the line.

OBJECTIVES
 Efficient and reliable train operation.
 Improve safety of operations during normal and emergency situations
 Increase On time performance for trains
 Improve headway in available tracks.
 Security of passengers.

BITS-KNL 5 DEPT.OF ECE

 CONCEPT OF MTRC SYSTEMS

CHAPTER-5
5. CONCEPT OF MTRC SYSTEM

The modern trains having “Mobile Train Radio Communication(MTRC)” system

simultaneously calculate and communicate their running status through radio communication
to the drivers and control rooms.The communicated status includes many important details
about the running trains like the accurate positition of trains ,their speed ,breaking distance
and the direction in which they travel in terms of their positition coordinates.MTRC system
also allows the wayside equipments to highlight such points on the railway track which may
be called as nodes, which should not be crossed by other trains moving on the same
path.Wayside equipment includes the switches ,signal systems , control devices etc.,It greatly
reduces the safety breaking distance between two trains by continous and accurate train
location and speed details which allows for simple calculation.

5.1 Technology Used In MTRC:

Based on terrestrial trunk radio (TETRA) technology, the system usesTDMA on air interface
and Ip based network architecture. The technology also features single touch dialling, as well
as emergancy and broadcast calling capabilities.

5.2 Features of MTRC system:

The system have the feature of the single touch dialling to call two section train
controllers,EMU controller,Dy.Train controller and to make emergancy call.It also provides
for automatic call answer for the cab radios of the motorman and gaurds .

BITS-KNL 6 DEPT.OF ECE

 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-6
6. BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM

FIG.1.1. BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM

The typical architecture of a modern MTRC system comprises the following main subsystems:

BITS-KNL 7 DEPT.OF ECE

 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM

Wayside equipment, which includes the interlocking and the subsystems controlling every zone
in the line or network (typically containing the wayside ATP and ATO functionalities).
Depending on the suppliers, the architectures may be centralized or distributed. The control of
the system is performed from a central command ATS, though local control subsystems may be
also included as a fallback.

6.1 Onboard ATP system: This subsystem is in charge of the continuous control of the
train speed according to the safety profile, and applying the brake if it is necessary. It is also in
charge of the communication with the wayside ATP subsystem in order to exchange the
information needed for a safe operation (sending speed and braking distance, and receiving the
limit of movement authority for a safe operation).

6.2 Onboard ATO system: It is responsible for the automatic control of the traction and
braking effort in order to keep the train under the threshold established by the ATP subsystem.
Its main task is either to facilitate the driver or attendant functions, or even to operate the train in
a fully automatic mode while maintaining the traffic regulation targets and passenger comfort. It
also allows the selection of different automatic driving strategies to adapt the runtime or even
reduce the power consumption.

6.3 Wayside ATP System: This subsystem undertakes the management of all the
communications with the trains in its area. Additionally, it calculates the limits of movement
authority that every train must respect while operating in the mentioned area. This task is
therefore critical for the operation safety.

6.4 Wayside ATO system: It is in charge of controlling the destination and regulation
targets of every train. The wayside ATO functionality provides all the trains in the system with

BITS-KNL 8 DEPT.OF ECE

 BLOCK DIAGRAM OF MTRC SYSTEM
their destination as well as with other data such as the dwell time in the stations. Additionally, it
may also perform auxiliary and non-safety related tasks including for instance alarm/event
communication and management, or handling skip/hold station commands.

6.5 Communication system: The MTRC systems integrate a digital networked

radio system by means of antennas or leaky feeder cable for the bi-directional communication
between the track equipment and the trains. The 2,4GHz band is commonly used in these
systems (same as WiFi), though other alternative frequencies such as 900 MHz (US), 5.8 GHz or
other licensed bands may be used as well.

6.6 ATS system: The ATS system is commonly integrated within most of the CBTC
solutions. Its main task is to act as the interface between the operator and the system, managing
the traffic according to the specific regulation criteria. Other tasks may include the event and
alarm management as well as acting as the interface with external systems.

6.7 Interlocking system: When needed as an independent subsystem (for instance as a

fallback system), it will be in charge of the vital control of the trackside objects such
as switches or signals, as well as other related functionality. In the case of simpler networks or
lines, the functionality of the interlocking may be integrated into the wayside ATP system.

BITS-KNL 9 DEPT.OF ECE

 ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-7

7. ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM

FIG.1.2.ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM

BITS-KNL 10 DEPT.OF ECE

 ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM

• The typical architecture of a modern MTRC system comprises the following main sub
systems:
• Wayside equipment, which includes the interlocking and the subsystems controlling
every zone in the line or network (typically containing the wayside ATP and ATO
functionalities).
• Depending on the suppliers, the architectures may be centralized or distributed. The
control of the system is performed from a central command ATS, though local control
subsystems may be also included as a fallback.
• MTRC onboard equipment, including ATP and ATO subsystems in the vehicles.
• Train to wayside communication subsystem, currently based on radio links.
• The following logical components may be found generally in a typical MTRC
architecture: Onboard ATO system § Onboard ATP system.
• This subsystem is in charge of the continuous control of the train speed according to
the safety profile, and applying the brake if it is necessary.
• Onboard ATO system. It is responsible for the automatic control of the traction and
braking effort in order to keep the train under the threshold established by the ATP
subsystem.(continued)
• Wayside ATP system. This subsystem undertakes the management of all the
communications with the trains in its area. Additionally, it calculates the limits of
movement authority that every train must respect while operating in the mentioned
area.

BITS-KNL 11 DEPT.OF ECE

 ARCHITECTURE OF MTRC SYSTEM

• Wayside ATO system. It is in charge of controlling the destination and regulation

targets of every train.
• The wayside ATO functionality provides all the trains in the system with their
destination as well as with other data such as the dwell time in the stations.(continued)
• Communication system. The CBTC systems integrate a digital networked radio
system by means of antennas or leaky feeder cable for the bi-directional
communication between the track equipment and the trains. The 2,4GHz band is
commonly used in these systems (same as WiFi).
• ATS system. The ATS system is commonly integrated within most of the CBTC
solutions. Its main task is to act as the interface between the operator and the system,
managing the traffic according to the specific regulation criteria.

The GSM-R system mainly consists of:

 “Base Station Sub System (BSS)”

 “Mobile Station (MS)”
 “Operating Sub System (OSS)”
 “Network and Switching Sub System (NSS)”
 “Cab Radio”
 “Dispatcher”
 “Power Supply arrangement”

BITS-KNL 12 DEPT.OF ECE

 ADVANTAGES OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-8
8. ADVANTAGES

 Single touch dialing to call any of the Two Section Train Controllers, deputy Train
Controller, EMU Controller

 Auto Call Answer for Cab Radios for Motorman and Guards to receive only audio.

 Contact numbers of three controllers (TPC, SIG and TMS) are fed into the phonebook for
easy access while dialing

 Motorman can directly communicate defect of EMU-to-EMU Controller which reduces

detention of other trains.

 In any Unusual Situation, i.e. if the called MTRC phone is busy then on making
emergency call the overriding feature the speech will get through and communication will be
established. Emergency call goes to Dy. CTN.
 Western Railways is committed to provide best of the services to the public, be it with the
number of trains, quality of service or safety of travellers.

BITS-KNL 13 DEPT.OF ECE

 NEEED OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-9

9. NEED OF MTRC

The newly commissioned system is an integrated system with the ongoing Train Management
System, so that controllers can communicate with Driver and Guard by using the train number as
well as cab number code. In case of emergency, MTRC has a provision for broadcast call too.
The section controller can initiate Broadcast call to all Motormen/Guards of trains and same
announcement can be extended for passengers of the train. “MTRC uses lowest time to connect
calls i.e 300 milliseconds. It also has a provision of pre-defined, one - touch dialing thereby
ensuring prompt communication. It ensures safety of passengers by providing effective
communication between Driver and Control Room. With this new system we can track the
location of trains through GPS and even find out if a level crossing is open or closed,” he added.

BITS-KNL 14 DEPT.OF ECE

 NEEED OF MTRC SYSTEM

WESTREN RAILWAYS MTRC SYSTEM

FIG1.3.WESTREN RAILWAYS MTRC SYSTEM

BITS-KNL 15 DEPT.OF ECE

 FEATURES OF MTRC SYSTEM

CHAPTER-10

10. FEATURES OF MTRC

 The modern trains having MTRC system simultaneously calculate and communicate
their running status through radio communication to the drivers and the control
rooms.
 The communicated status includes many important details about the running trains like
the accurate position of trains, their speed, braking distance and the direction in which
they travel in terms of their position coordinates.

 The MTRC sytem allows the wayside equipments to highlight such points on the railway
track which may be called as nodes, which should not be crossed by other trains moving
on the same path. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway switches, signal
systems, control devices etc. for railway transit operations housed within one or more
than one enclosures located on the railway tracks.

 It greatly reduces the “Safety Braking Distance” between two trains by continuous and
accurate train location and speed details which allows for simple calculation through
the kinematics equations of motion. The appropriate programming is done in the
microprocessors and “Integrated Circuits (IC’s)” embedded in the hardware of the
MTRC systems which does the calculation of ambient “Safety Braking Distance”.

 The MTRC system provides for easy switchover and up- gradation to driverless trains
as it is based on a highly advanced communication technology.

BITS-KNL 16 DEPT.OF ECE

 RESULT

CHAPTER-11
11. RESULT

• Loud and clear audio with reduction in background noise in diver cabin.Good
coverage across entire railway track. Secure communication with no interference.
Advanced call features such as Individual, group and emergency calls. Integration with
train management system and GPS for location tracking. This results in a more
efficient and safe way to manage the railway traffic.

BITS-KNL 17 DEPT.OF ECE

 CONCLUSION

CHAPTER-12

12. CONCLUSION

Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) has a great role to play by culminating the
efficiency of communication between the trains communication machinery and the railway
control room through the use of Global system for mobile communications- railway
technology. The MTRC system provides complete detail about the train.GPS provides time of
trains arrival and departure,the current passenger strength on the train and the track details. It
reduces the operational costs and increasing customer satisfaction by providing better services.
This shall not only help in increasing productivity but also help in increasing safety of
operations. It would not be wrong to conclude that the MTRC system will have an
important role to play in the field of rail transport in the near future as India is entering into a
phase where Bullet Trains are shortly to be introduced starting from small sectors which
will have high speed of more than over 600 Km/Hr. Such high speed trains have a high risk of
derailment and other hazards like failure of signals, communication system and human
failure. To successfully launch the system of Bullet Trains and to ensure its safe operation,
the MTRC system, undoubtedly, is not just essential, but a must.
Finally, I would conclude the research work on this subject with high expectations of increase
in employment, reduction in train accidents etc, growth of Human Capital and putting India in
the world map of developed nations with respect to MTRC system. India is among the
countries with best technical and scientific minds and it is sure that India will one day lead
and lend its technical services for installation of the system in other developing countries.

BITS-KNL 18 DEPT.OF ECE

 REFERENCES

CHAPTER-13
13. REFERENCES

1. "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: IR History: Early Days –

1". www.irfca.org. Archived from the original on 7 March 2005. Retrieved 3
January 2014.
2. ^ "Suneet Sharma Appointed New Chairman and CEO of Railway Board". News18. 31
December 2020.
3. ^ Jump up to:a b
"Indian Railways Budget Documents 2019–20" (PDF). Ministry of
Railway. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
4. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac
"Indian Railways Year Book
2019-20"(PDF).
5. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Railways new record: Log highest ever figures in the electrification of
routes". 2 April 2021.
6. ^ Roy, Debasish. "Why isn't the Railways a PSU?". The Economic Times. Retrieved 23
August 2020.
7. ^ Jump up to:a b
"Thumbs up! Indian Railways to go eco-friendly by becoming world's
1st 100% electrified and 'Net-Zero' railway". The Financial Express. 16 October 2019.
Retrieved 20 November 2019.
8. ^ Jump up to:a b c "[IRFCA] India's First Railways". www.irfca.org.

BITS-KNL 19 DEPT.OF ECE

 THANK YOU
STAY HOME , STAY SAFE