BEML Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) have taken a significant stride towards revolutionising rail communication technology in India through a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at jointly developing an indigenous Train Control Management System (i-TCMS). This groundbreaking collaboration between two of India’s major Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) is poised to drive innovation and bolster self-reliance in the critical domain of train control management systems.
The MOU exchange ceremony, held at BEML headquarters, was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including Shantanu Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of BEML, and Manoj Jain, Director (R&D) representing BEL, alongside other senior officials from both organisations. This momentous occasion signifies a significant step forward in alignment with the ‘Make in India’ initiative championed by the Government of India. The primary objective of this partnership is to identify potential areas of cooperation between BEML and BEL, focusing on exploring the joint development of high-value products and solutions tailored to the requirements of Indian Railways and Metro systems.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Shantanu Roy, CMD, BEML, stated, “We are delighted to embark on this initiative with India’s leading professional electronics player, BEL Ltd, aimed at reducing India’s import dependency for train communication technology and enhancing the nation’s indigenisation capacity. Our joint endeavour perfectly aligns with India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ ambition, striving to achieve world-class products for the rail industry.”
Currently, Train Control Management Systems (TCMS) are primarily supplied by propulsion suppliers, resulting in a reliance on imported technology. In line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the collaboration seeks to develop TCMS domestically to meet the future needs of rail projects in the country. Often referred to as the ‘brain of the train,’ TCMS is poised to play a pivotal role in coordinating control and monitoring across various systems.
It encompasses a distributed control system comprising computer devices, software, human-machine interfaces, digital and analogue input/output capabilities, and secure data networks. TCMS facilitates seamless data communication interfaces with other train-borne and wayside systems, ensuring efficient and reliable rail operations. Through this strategic alliance, BEML and BEL are poised to revolutionise the landscape of rail transportation in India, ushering in a new era of technological advancement, operational efficiency, and national self-reliance.