Impact of Digitalisation in Urban Rail Operations: Insights from the UITP India Workshop for Indian Metros on 'Digitalisation in Operations Management'

UITP India organised a workshop for Indian Metros on ‘Digitalisation in Operations Management’ with the support of National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) on 13 September in New Delhi.

The workshop was attended by 47 delegates from 22 organisations, including 10 international organisations. Mr Normen Wiegand, Head of Metro Operating Unit – Hamburger Hochbahn AG and Chair – UITP Operations Platform, and Mr Claudio Cassarino, Managing Director, Metro Service A/S and Chair – UITP Automated Metros Platform not only participated in the workshop but also worked relentlessly for more than three months with the UITP India team to structure the programme and organise the speakers.

The aim of the workshop was to discuss and disseminate ideas on the new technologies used by urban rail organisations to enhance digitalisation in the operations of the urban rail systems. The workshop commenced with the introductory address by Ms Rupa Nandy, Head of UITP India, followed by welcome address by Mr Normen Wiegand and Mr Claudio Cassarino. The workshop touched upon crucial topics such as Digital Initiatives for more Intelligent and Future Proof Urban Rail Systems, Passenger Flow Management, and Transitioning to Automated Metros.

The workshop was designed in an interactive way where after every session there was a question-and-answer rounds. Each session of the workshop focussed on the latest developments in the urban rail sector both at the national and international levels.

The first session on ‘Digital Initiatives for more Intelligent and Future Proof Urban Rail Systems’, had Mr Takehiko Yamaji, Director – Singapore Branch, East Japan Railway Company speaking on ‘Condition based monitoring using AI, IOT and sensory technology’. Mr Philippe Leguay, International Director Urban Railway Transport Systems, Keolis Group elucidated on ‘Keolis’ experience – Benefit of Assets monitoring for Predictive maintenance’. Ms Juhi Pandey, Deputy General Manager – IT, NCRTC gave an overview of the ‘Digital Initiatives of NCRTC’.

The next session on ‘Passenger Flow Management’ had Mr Normen Wiegand speaking on ‘Hamburger Hochbahn AG’s digital solutions for passenger flow management’. Mr Claudio Cassarino  highlighted on ‘Flow management in big events: M5 San Siro stadium experience’. Mr Toodi Vasanth Kumar Reddy, Chief Operations Manager, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited threw light on the ‘Digitalisation journey of Hyderabad Metro’. The last session on ‘Transitioning to Automated Metros (Brownfield automation projects)’ had Mr Nicolas Butruille, Operations Expert, RATP speaking on ‘Migration to GoA4 conversion – Case Study RATP’. Mr Santiago Rincón Arévalo, Head of the Railway Systems Engineering Service, Metro de Madrid, S.A. and Mr Carlos Esquíroz, Project Director – Development of Automatic Lines, Metro de Madrid, S.A. shared insights on ‘Migration to automated metro in brownfield – Case Study Metro de Madrid’. From Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC), Mr Navin Talwar, Chief General Manager, spoke on ‘Transitioning to automated metros in Indian conditions’. The workshop witnessed active participation in the question-and-answer rounds with thought-provoking discussions.

The workshop concluded with a technical visit to NCRTC’s Rapid Regional Transit System (RRTS) station in Sahibabad, followed by ride in the RRTS – Namo Bharat train and visit to Duhai Depot and the Aparimit (Centre for Innovation). Mr Samir Sharma, Multi-Modal Expert along with Mr Rishabh Gautam, Additional General Manager – S&T, and Mr Abhishek Kumar, Deputy General Manager – Operations, NCRTC gave an overview of the aspects of the RRTS network and operations. The participants were given insights on the PM Gati Shakti ‘Interoperability and Multi Modal Integration’ model. During the ride in the RRTS train, the various features unique to the RRTS system were shown and explained. Highlighting on the state-of-the-art facilities at the Centre for Innovation the officials from NCRTC explained how it serves as a hub for training, research on IoT, 3D printer, and experience centre.

The workshop wrapped-up with receiving positive feedback from the participants. UITP India will be organising its flagship biennial event on Rail – UITP India Urban Rail Seminar in 2025.