Siemens powers BMRCL’s goal towards building a smart transport infrastructure

For BMRCL Siemens has been designated as a trusted partner for implementation of the first CBTC project with GoA4 technology. It is one of the highest grade of automation that allows for trains to be automatically controlled and operated, says Tilak Raj Seth, Head – Mobility, Siemens Limited.

Tell us about the current involvement of Siemens in the different railways and metro projects across India?
Siemens is actively participating in all the mainline electrification, signaling and tele-communications opportunities. We are also participating in metro projects through ongoing and upcoming tenders. We are fully equipped to meet expectations of Indian Railways and Metro corporations. We have very high depth after local addition in the entire value chain of engineering, manufacturing, installation and commissioning and after sales service and we fully meet the aspiration of ‘Make in India ‘and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.

Siemens Mobility and Siemens Limited India are partnering with Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL)to provide CBTC and to operate driverless trains, this is the second time after the Delhi Metro a similar feat will be attempted, what are the challenges involved and how are you addressing them?
We are excited to be part of BMRCL’s goal towards building a smart transport infrastructure for Bengaluru. BMRCL chose Siemens as its trusted partner to implement the first CBTC project with GoA4 technology, the highest grade of automation that allows for trains to be automatically controlled and operated. The current pandemic situation has impacted the progress on ground, that is to ensure the safety and well-being of all associated workforce, and yet minimize the impact on our work of delays that we and other stakeholders of the project are facing. And of course, when a project of this kind is in public space for a large city, the hardship that is caused to the city travelers has to be minimized, which sometimes affects project timelines. Despite all hurdles, we are exploring all possibilities to ensure customer operations are not affected and the project meets its timelines.

What kind of role are Indian companies playing in the metro projects? How much role will indigenous technologies and skillsets play to execute these massive projects?
Siemens India has 21 factories and we are truly a global company with a high depth of manufacturing in India. We live the aspiration of make in India, not only in manufacturing but designing, engineering, installation and commissioning as well as total life cycle support- we truly bring in a blend of global know-how and local needs on the ground.

What are some of the measures taken by Siemens in its ongoing metro and railway projects in India to reduce the environmental impact and ensure they remain economically viable?
Siemens has been at the forefront of building a sustainable future across the globe. Our smart transport solutions aim at significant reduction in carbon emission, there by contributing to Indian Railways’ “Net Zero” carbon emission target by 2030. India’s 9000 Hp Electric Locomotive powered by Siemens is a classic example of sustainable and economically viable operation, this enhances the haulage and leverages the highly intensive drive of railways to accelerate electrification. The regenerative braking systems saves up to 15% energy depending on the line topology. Similarly, our complete turnkey mobility solutions provide integrated transportation solutions for people and goods to transport from point A to point B. This significantly reduces carbon emission in comparison to cars on the road or air transport. In addition to this, our comprehensive range of services offers professional maintenance, spare parts supply and innovative software solutions to keep our customer’s systems up-to-date. This enhances the lifetime of customer’s rail systems.

The hotel load converter that we supply for the Indian railways electric locomotives enables Indian railways to eliminate the diesel generator in the power car and thereby saves the fuel. The reduction in noise coming from power car is a huge bonus.

How have you ensured minimal impact on the construction of the ongoing metro and railway projects in the backdrop of the Covid – 19 pandemic? Has the government or concerned authorities extended or revised the deadlines involved?
With rapidly changing COVID-19 scenario across the country, there has been changes in the way we used to work at project sites. Though our work is not impacted much, we have ensured all safety precautions are in place to keep our people safe and deliver uninterrupted customer operations. All COVID essentials such as masks, sanitizers, thermal screening facility and medical facility have been put in place for each of our project sites and our factory in Nashik. We are closely monitoring the situation. At this critical hour we are ensuring that all are able to exhibit extreme caution and responsibility

32