Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of an indigenous communication-based train control system(i-CBTC).
The i-CBTC, which is indigenously developed for the first time in the country, is expected to help India achieve self-sufficiency in rail and metro operations.
BEL said in a statement that the MoU is a ‘big leap forward in the field of metro and rail automation and will give a boost to the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ mission of the Government of India.’
In cooperation with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the project is being implemented by both entities.
Furthermore, the MoU is expected to leverage the complementary strengths and capabilities of BEL and DMRC.
Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) BEL and Om Hari Pande (director, electrical) DMRC, exchanged the MoU in the presence of senior officials at the Metro Bhawan here.
DMRC is engaged in the construction and operation of a mass rapid transport system in the capital region of the country. With 286 stations in Delhi and NCR, DMRC built a network of about 390km.
BEL is a Navratna Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DFSU) that was formed in 1954 to meet the strategic requirements of defence services in the country.
As part of its operation, it develops solutions for railways and metros, space and satellite electronics, software as a service, as well as network and cyber security and others.