The Union Cabinet has approved an allotment of 5 Megahertz Spectrum in 700 MHz frequency band to Indian Railways for public safety and security services at stations and in trains. With this spectrum, Railways has envisaged to provide Long Term Evolution, LTE-based Mobile Train Radio Communication on its route. The estimated investment in the project is more than Rs 25,000 crore and it will be completed in the next five years.

The purpose of the LTE for Railways is to provide secure and reliable voice, video and data communication services for operational, safety and security applications. It will be used for modern signalling and train protection systems and ensure seamless communication between loco pilots and guards.

Briefing reporters in New Delhi after the Cabinet meeting, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, this will enhance safety and security of train operations.

This will allow the railways to go a step further and enable the Internet of Things (IoT)-based remote monitoring of coaches, wagons, and locos, and live video feed of CCTV cameras in the train coaches, the statement added.

“The spectrum charges may be levied based on a formula basis as prescribed by Department of Telecommunications for Royalty Charges and License Fee for Captive use as recommended by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India,” it said.